US National Park System Advisory Board revived after languishing under Trump

WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland appointed 15 new members to the National Park System Advisory Board today. First authorized in 1935, the Board advises the Secretary and the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) on matters relating to the Service's work.

“National parks are some of the most visible and important forums for visitors to explore the outdoors and learn the complicated yet vital story of America.” said Secretary Haaland. “These new National Park System Advisory Board members represent experienced practitioners in cultural and natural resources management, as well as experts in relevant academic fields including environmental law, geography, and history. I look forward to their insight as we work to make our public lands accessible and inviting to all.”

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-haaland-appoints-new-members-national-park-system-advisory-board

Biden starts process to create national marine sanctuary in Pennsylvania portion of Lake Erie

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration took the first step Thursday toward designating the Pennsylvania-owned section of Lake Erie as the state’s first national marine sanctuary.

A formal designation could take several years, and it wouldn’t change existing regulations around the use of the lake. The announcement sets up a public comment period before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration writes a draft plan for the sanctuary.

https://apnews.com/article/national-marine-sanctuary-lake-erie-pennsylvania-shipwrecks-ad192ef32f9e97cccec235577b179843

Indonesia | Study finds none of country's MPAs effectively managed

JAKARTA — Indonesia has put nearly a tenth of its national waters, the sixth-largest maritime jurisdiction of any country, under some form of protection. But poor management means these protected areas haven’t been to achieve their biodiversity conservation goals, a new study says.

Indonesia’s 411 marine protected areas — parks, reserves and maritime conservation areas — cover a combined surface area of 284,100 square kilometers (109,700 square miles), an area larger than the U.K. For all their size, these MPAs account for less than 9% of Indonesia’s waters; the country is targeting to expand that coverage to 10% by 2030 and then 30% by 2045 as part of its contribution to the global “30 by 30” conservation goal, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and seas by 2030.

https://news.mongabay.com/2023/05/indonesia-maritime-marine-reserve-mpa-protected-area-management-funding/