Calendar30 September 2025

This report presents a comprehensive synthesis of current concepts and methodologies for addressing the challenges of defining, implementing and measuring marine net positive impact (NPI).

The literature review provides practical insights and highlights emerging trends to inform the design and delivery of effective marine NPI actions.

Download the literature review.

Key topics addressed include:

  • Concepts and definitions: the review explains what NPI means, how it differs from ‘nature positive’, and its relationship with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It highlights the importance of a robust application of the mitigation hierarchy—avoid, minimise, restore, offset—and the need for measurable actions focused on priority habitats and species
  • Operational challenges: it addresses real-world issues such as feasibility of marine offsets and restoration, cumulative impacts, migratory species, and the role of artificial habitats and nature-inclusive design. The review also explores the use of natural capital approaches and biodiversity credits in marine NPI
  • Measurement and implementation: the review discusses approaches to setting reference states, selecting metrics and verifying outcomes. The findings emphasise prioritisation on biodiversity features, strategic interventions, and the need for measurable, on-the-ground improvements to the state of nature

This report is intended for practitioners who are responsible for designing and implementing marine NPI actions.

Ipieca-IUCN workshop at the IUCN World Conservation Congress

Ipieca and IUCN will host a workshop, ‘Aligning Principles for Marine NPI’, at the IUCN World Conservation Congress on 11 October, 15:00–18:00GST, Programme Pavilion Stage 2 Green, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The session will convene global stakeholders to further refine marine NPI principles, drawing on diverse expertise and experience. We invite interested parties to join us for insightful discussion and engagement on this important topic.

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