Bridging Traditions and Global Goals: Using GIS to Harmonize Local Marine Conservation Practices with the UN SDGs in the Face of Climate Change

Marine ecosystems across the globe face escalating threats from climate change, necessitating innovative and culturally inclusive approaches to conservation. This paper explores how local and indigenous marine management traditions can work in tandem with global conservation strategies under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDGs 11, 13, and 14. It also highlights how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are critical in analysing climate impacts and guiding marine-protection policies. By reviewing case studies of traditional marine stewardship, examining spatial data in changing marine environments, and evaluating the integration of global and local approaches, this paper demonstrates the benefits and challenges of uniting scientific and indigenous knowledge systems in a rapidly warming world. The findings suggest that the coalescence of cultural wisdom, modern technology, and high-level policy frameworks can create holistic, sustainable solutions that foster both resilience and equity in coastal and marine conservation efforts.