Tides of Belonging: Advancing AAPI Engagement in MPA Conservation

May 2026

Across California, there is growing recognition that ocean conservation must better reflect the communities that care for and depend on marine environments, including Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

In July of 2025, MPACN launched the second cohort of the AAPI Pathways Community Group. Many Collaborative Network members may recall contributing to a survey in Q3 2025 that helped inform this work. Since then, members of the AAPI community group have been exploring ways to strengthen AAPI engagement and collaboration with conservation organizations and MPACN partners. Key insights are shared in this report.