In many parts of the world, the ocean is considered to be a religious symbol and the importance of integrating the cultural values of the ocean is beginning to gain global recognition. In many cultures, people live by the ocean for many generations and consider the ocean as part of their identity. This way of living, values, knowledge and practices have sustained them for millennia and the protection of those values is of great importance to the OACM Ocean Heritage ACT. Integrating the OACM SOS CP will help maintain and preserve those areas for their future generations and protect its biodiversity and marine life which they are dependent on economically.

OACM’s focus and strategy is to raise awareness about the natural and cultural significance of the ocean and present this to policy makers (governments, corporations, world organizations) to help them understand and support the Ocean Heritage ACT. The goal is to improve the efficiency of the conservation and resource management that will support local communities, tourism destinations and traditional values.