MAR News

In 2025, we at the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) commemorate two decades of continuous work and commitment to the protection and sustainable management of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR). Since our operations began in 2005, we have led collaborative efforts with governments, local communities, fishers, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and international donors to safeguard this invaluable marine and coastal system.

The MAR is the largest transboundary reef in the Western Hemisphere, stretching over 1,000 km along the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. This region is home to numerous coastal and marine protected areas, covering more than nine million hectares of protected surface in total.

20 Years of Impact

Over the past two decades, our commitment—alongside that of our partners— has led to significant achievements in conserving the MAR and enhancing the well-being of the communities that depend on these ecosystems. Some of our key accomplishments include:

• Local capacity building: More than 200 communities have been trained to implement sustainable practices in fishing, tourism, and environmental management.
• Strengthening protected areas: Support for 28 coastal and marine protected areas across the region.
• Innovative financial management: Mobilization of over $45 million to fund regional conservation projects and the management of an endowment fund to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Biodiversity conservation: Support for initiatives focused on the recovery of iconic species such as parrotfish and elkhorn coral, as well as the protection of fish spawning aggregations.
• Ecosystem resilience: Restoration of mangroves and coral reefs, along with emergency response training for post-storm recovery.
• Advancing the blue economy: Development of a blended finance system to support enterprises with a positive impact on the reef.

A Renewed Commitment to the Future

MAR Fund’s 20th anniversary is more than a milestone, it is an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to protecting the Mesoamerican Reef and the communities that depend on it. In the face of global threats such as climate change and pollution, we reaffirm our purpose to lead science-based actions, promote innovation, and collaborate with regional partners to ensure the long-term preservation of the MAR and the vital ecosystem services it provides for future generations.

“These achievements are the result of a collective effort. Regional collaboration has proven essential in turning threats into opportunities and in building a future where the MAR continues to be a source of life and well-being,” says María José González, Executive Director of MAR Fund.

We invite everyone to be part of this anniversary celebration and to support efforts to protect one of the world’s most valuable ecosystems. Throughout the year, we will share impact stories, key learnings, and visions for a more sustainable future for the MAR. Local communities, partners, donors, and media will have opportunities to participate in various commemorative activities across social media and in the four countries that are part of the Mesoamerican Reef System.

About MAR Fund:

MAR Fund is an environmental fund that operates as an innovative financial mechanism for the conservation of the Mesoamerican Reef System. Its mission is to seek, secure and facilitate regional funding, foster partnerships, and drive capacity building for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Mesoamerican Reef.

MAR Fund carries out its actions in direct collaboration with local partners in each country, including non-profit organizations, communities, productive sectors, and national authorities.

MAR Fund runs the following key programs for conserving the Mesoamerican Reef System: Saving our Protected Areas, Fishing for the Future, Climate Change, Clean Water for the Reef, the Belize Marine Fund, and Regenerative Economy.

For more information, visit www.marfund.org or follow us on social media.