THE Blue Parks are a growing network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) recognized for their exceptional marine biodiversity conservation and for meeting the highest science-based standards for conservation effectiveness. To date, 33 of them cover a total of 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean area protected in the waters of 23 countries. Joining them this year and receiving a silver-level Blue Park Award is the Siete Pecados Marine Park, based in Coron, Palawan.