MARCOP has the following overarching objectives:

• Improve the capacity of stakeholders and networks to sustain the implementation of solutions;
• Enhance the use of science and knowledge in policy-making and creation of solutions; and,
• Work with governments, communities, and other local partners to enhance science and policy uptake.

Underneath these broad objectives, the MARCOP will apply co-design processes and implement research and development initiatives that have the following focus areas:

• Identification of area-based management tools and other solutions using cutting edge science that address global initiatives including, but not limited to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN Framework for Climate Change;
• Implementation of capacity building initiatives to assist governments and local partners, including the WIO network of marine protected area managers (WIOMPAN) and in-country locally-managed marine area networks, to create effective policies and sustain implementation of solutions; and,
• Strengthen existing and encourage new collaborative partnerships among WIO and international scientists with governments and local partners to improve the science-to-policy interface.

The MARCOP builds on the joint initiatives of WIOMSA and MQU, the lessons learned and partnerships created to support conservation planning, improved MPA management effectiveness, and capacity building in the WIO.