The Western Indian Ocean is a hotbed of biological richness and beauty. It is considered one of the world’s least disturbed ocean ecosystems and is home to 38% of the world’s coral reefs and a diversity of ecosystems and marine species. But only 7% of the region’s coastal and marine environment enjoys some form of protection, while overfishing, pollution, climate change, and extractive industries take a growing toll on key ecosystems. The Great Blue Wall initiative aims to establish a first-of-its-kind network of regenerative seascapes across this area, supporting countries to protect and conserve at least 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030. IUCN, in partnership with UpLink, Friends of Ocean Action, and OceanHub Africa, is launching the Great Blue Wall challenge, supported by Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA) - calling for innovative startups and social entrepreneurs with a positive impact on the local people and the ocean in the countries of the Western Indian Ocean. Watch the video to learn more about the Great Blue Wall challenge for protecting the Western Indian Ocean.