Seagrass Survey Provides Key Information for the Conservation of Coastal Ecosystems in Tela Bay
Photos: Daniela Sansur
On June 24, 2026, the Association of Friends of the Tela Reefs (AMATELA), as part of the Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III (Phase III) project, with support from the German Cooperation through KfW, conducted a seagrass survey in Tela Bay to generate information that contributes to the monitoring and conservation of these ecosystems. The activity took place in Punta Izopo National Park as part of the management actions for the Tela Bay Marine Wildlife Refuge.
During the survey, a new site with seagrass presence was identified. One of the most significant findings was the possible presence of Halophila decipiens, a species that has not previously been reported in any of the three marine and coastal protected areas of Tela Bay. Additional sampling will be required to confirm the species’ identification.
The project’s initial goal was to identify 0.8 hectares of seagrass; however, by 2025, a total of 11.8 hectares had already been documented, and this new survey will complement the existing information.
These findings expand knowledge of the region’s biodiversity and the national distribution of this species, providing valuable information to guide management measures, such as identifying suitable anchoring zones, and to update the distribution map of seagrass meadows in Tela Bay. The newly identified sites will also be incorporated into ongoing monitoring and surveillance efforts.
Possible identification of the species Halophila decipiens.
The survey involved seven members of the co-management teams from the Tela Bay Marine Wildlife Refuge and Punta Izopo National Park, with technical support from the LifeWeb Initiative/Institute of Forest Conservation (ICF) and PROLANSATE Foundation, as well as support from the Municipality of Tela and Tela Marine.
The progress achieved during the survey was also made possible by AMATELA’s enhanced capacity to carry out fieldwork. With support from Phase III, the organization now has its own boat, trailer, and diving equipment, enabling more efficient field expeditions and follow-up activities in protected areas. These resources help ensure the continuity of monitoring and management efforts in priority conservation sites.
Protecting seagrass meadows helps conserve essential habitats for fish and invertebrates that use these ecosystems as shelter and nursery grounds. Many of these species also depend on mangroves and coral reefs throughout their life cycle, making the conservation of these interconnected ecosystems essential for sustaining the fisheries upon which many coastal communities rely.
In Tela Bay, AMATELA’s work represents an important step toward improving knowledge of these ecosystems and supporting informed conservation decisions that protect the natural resources sustaining the region’s biodiversity and local livelihoods.
The seven members of the co-management of the Tela Bay Marine Wildlife Refuge and the Punta Izopo National Park who participated in the prospecting.
Project for the Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III – Phase III
Phase III supports the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in and between selected coastal marine protected areas of the Mesoamerican Reef System by improving management effectiveness and restoring key ecosystems—including mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses, and fisheries. It also supports sustainable economic alternatives for local communities. The expected outcome is long-term ocean health through regional cooperation and innovation.
When the Reef Calls: Underwater Guardians
By Liz Herrera / Photos courtesy of Irving Chávez
Some people start their day in front of a computer; others, in a classroom. And then there are those who, from time to time, find their office several meters below the sea. When work takes Irving Chávez to the waters of the Mexican Caribbean, the landscape changes completely. The blue of the ocean replaces the walls and desk of an office.
Irving is a biologist and currently serves as Subdirector of the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, part of Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP). In 2021, he trained as a Poststorm Reef Response Brigade member, and since 2025, he has also served as an instructor for these brigades.
On the surface, the scene may seem serene, but those who work on the reefs know that every dive presents its own conditions and challenges, which require preparation, coordination, and experience. Poststorm Reef Response brigades are groups of highly trained divers who serve as the first line of response to protect and restore these ecosystems when they face threats or emergencies caused by hurricanes, storms, groundings, or other events.
“A brigade member can be anyone—a waiter, a tour guide, a fisherman, a soldier, an artisan, a park ranger, or even the director of a Protected Natural Area. What unites us is a shared ideal: the value of life in all its forms, and in particular, that of coral reefs. This awareness of the past, present, and future makes us guardians of the ocean.”
The First Responders
For decades, the image of a park ranger was limited to beige-uniformed officers patrolling jungles. However, post storm reef response brigade members are also part of this force dedicated to care and conservation: they are guardians of the ocean. They watch over, monitor, respond to emergencies, and help restore ecosystems.
Their work takes on special significance in the Atlantic’s largest transboundary reef, the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), shared by Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. The health of this ecosystem is closely linked to the well-being, food security, and livelihoods of millions of people, making its conservation a shared responsibility.
It is in this context that the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) runs the Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI), providing support to strengthen the local and regional capacities of the organizations and institutions responsible for effectively responding to the threats facing coral reefs, thereby helping to maintain the resilience of this natural heritage.
Every day is different. Patrol duties include monitoring underwater nurseries, but their true role as “first responders” comes into play after hurricanes. Time is of the essence in increasing the corals’ chances of survival after a storm or extreme weather event. If dislodged coral fragments are not relocated soon, they will die.
A brigade member’s work combines scientific knowledge, practical experience, and keen observational skills. It is a race against time that intensifies in the wake of various weather events. Using specialized protocols, they document damage, stabilize colonies, relocate fragments, secure the corals to the substrate with specialized materials, and monitor their recovery for months.
In 2023, Irving’s team faced one of its most critical moments: the arrival of white syndrome (a tissue-loss disease affecting stony corals) at the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve.
“It was one of the saddest moments of my life, watching reefs teeming with life disappear due to the sudden death of a large number of corals. The responsibility and the uncertainty of not knowing whether what we were doing would work caused us a great deal of frustration. But thanks to the commitment of the volunteers and the support of MAR Fund (through the RRI Emergency Fund), we managed to rescue more than 90 fragments of pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus), 10 of which are still alive in our underwater nurseries, and that gives us a glimmer of hope.”
The reef does not exist in isolation from humans. Its condition directly affects fishing, tourism, storm protection, and the livelihoods of thousands of families living along the SAM coastline. By restoring coral colonies, the volunteers maintain natural barriers that dissipate up to 90% of wave energy, protecting the coastlines from erosion and storm damage. Their work not only conserves marine biodiversity; it also safeguards fisheries, tourism, and the livelihoods on which the regional economy depends in the face of the growing impacts of climate change.
Expanding our Capacity to Protect
Becoming an instructor means much more than just earning a diploma. It means preparing new generations of people capable of responding when the reef needs it most. Irving sums it up this way:
“My participation in this course to become a brigade instructor has been a valuable opportunity, as it allows me to help progressively increase the response capacity of our brigades, and it also opens the door to involving diverse sectors of society in the care and conservation of the reefs in southern Quintana Roo. Furthermore, this experience has strengthened me in various ways—from organization to the implementation of environmental and social safeguards—reaffirming collaborative work as a key element. It will always be the best way to address emerging challenges and generate positive results.”
Caring for the reef doesn’t depend solely on those underwater, but on building capacities that will remain in the communities for many years: “More than specific knowledge and skills, what holds the greatest value in reef restoration is the sense of community. There may be a great deal of knowledge, but it’s useless if it isn’t shared. You can have many skills, but they’re useless without commitment, respect, or teamwork,” he says. Conservation is also strengthened by sharing knowledge.
The People Behind the Restoration
For Irving, being a field worker is a privilege, but it also involves sacrifices. Spending several days away from home, adapting to conditions at sea, and not knowing for sure when he’ll be able to return are all part of a reality shared by many park rangers and conservationists. Now, as he prepares to become a father for the first time, those absences take on new meaning. “It makes me appreciate even more the commitment of those who temporarily leave their families to protect biodiversity, here and anywhere on the planet,” he reflects.
Conserving a reef begins long before entering the water: it starts when people understand the value of this ecosystem and the connections between its health and our own quality of life. When the ocean needs help, there are people ready to respond, and behind every coral colony regaining its color, there is a face marked by a diving mask.
The RRI aims to increase the resilience of the MAR and of the environmental services it provides. Our main approaches are Continuous Restoration and Emergency Response. The RRI has established and structured regional collaborative efforts to advance:
• MAR Insurance Programme • Emergency Response Protocols • Emergency Fund • Reef Response Capacities • Small Grants Program • Reef Restoration Network
The Mesoamerican Reef Insurance Programme enters its sixth placement and expands to cover two new sites in Mexico
Photo: María del Carmen García
Regional initiative expands coverage to two additional protected areas in Quintana Roo, Mexico, strengthening climate resilience across the Mesoamerican Reef
July 2026 — The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) and Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), are pleased to announce the sixth annual placement of the MAR Insurance Programme¹. This innovative regional mechanism provides rapid financing to support emergency reef response efforts following hurricanes across the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR).
Now entering its sixth year, the programme continues to expand its reach and impact. What began in 2021 with four Protected Areas (PAs) now provides coverage for 12 PAs across the region. This year, two additional PAs in Quintana Roo, Mexico —Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park and Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park— have been incorporated into the portfolio. Coverage under the 2026–2027 policy period runs from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.
The MAR Insurance Programme is a cornerstone of MAR Fund’s Reef Rescue Initiative. It brings together parametric insurance, an emergency fund, and a coordinated response framework designed to protect one of the world’s most important marine ecosystems, the Mesoamerican Reef region. Since its inception, the programme has had the support of regional authorities. MAR Fund collaborates with them to advance climate adaptation across the four countries.
“As climate change continues to intensify across the wider Caribbean, having rapid access to emergency funding is essential to support timely response actions to accelerate reef recovery. We are proud to see the programme continue to grow, bringing new partners and additional reef sites into a mechanism that helps safeguard both this critical ecosystem and the coastal communities whose well-being depends on it”. —María José González, Executive Director of MAR Fund.
The MAR spans more than 1,000 kilometers from Cabo Catoche in northern Quintana Roo, Mexico, to the Bay Islands and the northern coast of Honduras. It generates over US$4.5 billion annually² in ecosystem services such as fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people along its coastline.
Since its launch in 2021, the programme has been supported by the InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF). This core funding has been paired with additional contributions from MAR Fund’s Reef Rescue Initiative and those of strategic partners, including the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) and the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA/UNDP). The programme’s regional expansion relied on targeted, site-specific collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which in 2024 and 2025 helped establish insurance cover and emergency response capacities for two areas in southern Belize.
“The MAR Insurance Programme is paving the way for nature-based solutions against climate risks and exceeds initial expectations by continuously growing and expanding. The ISF is proud to continue supporting this innovative insurance programme protecting a unique natural treasure and providing livelihoods for vulnerable people in the MAR region”. —Dr Annette Detken, head of the InsuResilience Solutions Fund.
For the current policy year, the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature (FMCN), through the ACCIÓN Project funded by the Green Climate Fund, has partnered in these efforts by financing the insurance premium for Puerto Morelos and Cozumel. The incorporation of these sites was also made possible thanks to the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo (SEMA) as a key driver in the process. The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) has also been instrumental in driving the establishment and strengthening of local response capacities and supporting effective preparedness and response efforts in those protected areas. Together, these partnerships are helping to enhance hurricane preparedness and reinforce the resilience of the MAR region.
“Reef conservation is essential to sustaining marine biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of coastal areas, on which local economies and protection against extreme weather events depend. With the expansion of this insurance to Puerto Morelos and Cozumel, funding from the Green Climate Fund through FMCN enhances the capacity to mobilize resources immediately after a hurricane, enabling reef restoration when it is needed most”. —Renée González, Chief Executive Officer of FMCN.
“This is the path set by Governor Mara Lezama: to grow sustainably, protect our natural wealth, and understand development as a shared responsibility among government, community, science, the private sector, and international cooperation. We will continue working to consolidate this mechanism, strengthen local capacities, and ensure a rapid, technical, and organized response to the impacts of climate change. Protecting the reefs means protecting marine life, the coast, tourism, fishing, employment, and the future of thousands of families in Quintana Roo”. —Óscar Rébora, Secretary of Ecology and Environment of the State of Quintana Roo.
The insurance solution has been structured and placed by Willis’ Alternative Risk Transfer team, with AXA Climate serving as the designer of the parametric insurance product for the current policy year. Together, the partners are helping pioneer a model that links nature conservation, climate adaptation, and innovative finance to ensure that coral reef ecosystems can recover more quickly after extreme weather events.
“As climate-related risks continue to increase, innovative insurance solutions are playing a vital role in strengthening resilience. By providing rapid access to funding following severe weather events, this program helps ensure that reef restoration efforts can begin quickly, protecting natural ecosystems, local economies and the communities that depend on them. This partnership demonstrates how insurance can be a powerful tool in supporting climate adaptation and sustainable development”. —Jody Yee, Head of Alternative Risk Transfer for the Americas.
“Coral reefs are among the world’s most valuable ecosystems, yet increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. At AXA Climate, we believe parametric insurance can help ecosystems and the communities that depend on them recover faster by providing immediate funding after extreme events. We are proud to support another year of this programme, which has become a global benchmark for how innovative solutions can protect biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and help close the protection gap for natural ecosystems”. —Antoine Denoix, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Climate.
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About InsuResilience Solutions Fund The mission of the InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) is to support innovative solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Managed by Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and funded by KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German government, the ISF’s objective is to close the protection gap by focusing on solutions for vulnerable populations who are over-proportionately exposed to climate risks. Therefore, ISF fosters the development of needs-based and financially sustainable climate risk insurance products in developing and emerging countries. ISF has supported the MAR Insurance Programme since its inception in 2021, and continues to provide premium financing support until 2027. |
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About WTW At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximise performance. Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. |
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About AXA Climate
AXA Climate, a subsidiary of the AXA group dedicated to climate change adaptation and transition, supports sectors such as agribusiness, industry, finance, and the public sector by offering parametric insurance products, consulting services, over 40 hours of online training, and a suite of digital tools for climate projections. By leveraging science and data, AXA Climate helps companies and public players to tackle key environmental challenges and enables them to implement concrete adaptation and mitigation strategies tailored to their local contexts and specific needs. |
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About FMCN Created in 1994, FMCN collaborates with different sectors to preserve the natural heritage of Mexico. Our motto, “Sustaining our natural treasure,” inspires us to work hand in hand with all sectors to ensure a sustainable future in which we can all continue to enjoy the natural capital that surrounds and sustains us. |
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About SEMA The Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA) is the agency of the Government of Quintana Roo, México, responsible for formulating, directing, and evaluating the state’s environmental and sustainability policies. Its work focuses on biodiversity conservation, the protection and restoration of Quintana Roo’s coral reefs, climate change mitigation, integrated waste management, and the promotion of an active ecological culture, ensuring a balance between tourism dynamics and the preservation of the Mexican Caribbean’s natural resources. |
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About MAR Fund MAR Fund is a regional environmental fund that implements the Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI), whose main objective is to support the long-term ecological and economic viability of the Mesoamerican Reef. This is achieved through capacity building, strategic alliances, risk management instruments, and innovative financial mechanisms. Through the RRI, MAR Fund collaborates with local conservation organizations and government agencies at each insured reef site to strengthen their capacity to implement reef response plans in the aftermath of hurricanes. To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of reef response efforts in the region, MAR Fund manages two innovative risk financing mechanisms: the Emergency Fund and the MAR Insurance Programme. In the event of a payout, insurance funds are disbursed within days to MAR Fund’s Emergency Fund and then immediately transferred to predefined organizations that mobilize response brigades to mitigate hurricane impacts on coral reefs. |
[1] The execution of this Programme shall not have any effect with respect to, or in connection with, any sovereignty claims over any territory (land, insular and maritime) claimed by the Republic of Guatemala and/or Belize; nor shall it have any effect over the rights and/or claims of either country over such territory.
[2] See full report here: https://publications.iadb.org/en/economic-valuation-ecosystem-services-mesoamericanreef-and-allocation-and-distribution-these
Photo: Martin Leglize
MAR Leadership at 15: Strengthening MAR Leaders through Collaboration and Innovation
Photos: Sureste Sostenible
Sureste Sostenible successfully executed the project “MAR Leadership at 15: Strengthening MAR Leaders through Collaboration and Innovation” between April 1, 2025, and February 15, 2026, consolidating 15 years of regional leadership development and strengthening collaboration across the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region. Through strategic coordination, programmatic design, and effective resource management, Sureste Sostenible reinforced the MAR Leadership alum network by deepening collaboration, enhancing knowledge exchange, and catalyzing innovation.
A central milestone of the project was the 15th Anniversary Event, held in Cancún from October 20–22, 2025. The convening brought together 51 participants, including 41 alums representing 11 cohorts from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. The diversity of generations, sectors, and nationalities created a dynamic space for intergenerational learning, peer exchange, and strategic reflection. Over three days, participants engaged in institutional retrospection, leadership development workshops, innovation panels, and structured networking sessions designed to foster trust-based collaboration and future joint action.
One of the project’s most significant achievements was the intentional creation of a collaborative space where alumni connected with scientists, technologists, conservation practitioners, and institutional leaders to foster technological and social innovation. During the session “Towards 2030: MAR Leadership and the 30×30 Agenda,” participants worked in cross-country groups to analyze three strategic pillars: equitable governance and the rights of local communities, sustainable and innovative financing models, and ecological connectivity and landscape restoration. This participatory dynamic enabled leaders to move beyond reflection toward actionable contributions that strengthen conservation management from a territorial, inclusive, and long-term perspective.
Panel participants “MAR Leadership: A Story of Impact”: Vicente Ferreyra, María José Gonzalez, Lorenzo Rosenzweig, and Maria Eugenia Arreola
Under the governance pillar, participants identified mechanisms to enhance effective participation of local and Indigenous communities, including prior consultation processes, co-management schemes, recognition of community norms, integration of traditional ecological knowledge, and the application of social and environmental safeguards aligned with international reference frameworks. In the financing discussions, alumni explored blended finance models, public-private partnerships, conservation funds, payments for ecosystem services, carbon credits, and community-based productive initiatives linked to sustainable tourism. Within the ecological connectivity theme, strategies were proposed to integrate marine and terrestrial conservation through watershed and landscape approaches, strengthen biological and cultural corridors, restore degraded areas, and articulate protected areas and community territories more effectively.
Complementing this strategic workshop, the panel on Technology and Innovation for MAR Conservation further expanded the innovation lens by showcasing applied tools, including coral reef monitoring technologies, transboundary species tracking, and private-sector-driven solutions to reduce single-use plastics. By connecting science, technology, governance, and market-based solutions, the project strengthened the alumni network’s capacity to drive cross-sector innovation and develop practical pathways for reef conservation and restoration.
The event generated more than 94 new alliances and collaborative connections across five thematic areas: marine conservation and reef restoration, sustainable tourism, environmental education and community development, institutional strengthening, and cross-border initiatives. These alliances emerged through structured networking, thematic dialogue, territorial mapping exercises, and informal exchanges. The design intentionally combined strategic dialogue with personal leadership reflection, creating the conditions for meaningful, trust-based partnerships.
Participant feedback confirmed the effectiveness of the convening, reflecting high satisfaction regarding agenda relevance, facilitation quality, and the value of peer exchange. Storytelling, communication strategy sessions, and the “Towards 2030” workshop were particularly highlighted as transformative in aligning individual leadership trajectories with long-term regional conservation goals.
Beyond the event itself, the project has already catalyzed follow-up collaboration. A concrete example is the emerging partnership to co-design the Mesoamerican Reef Local Leaders Summit, which aims to engage mayors and coastal authorities across the four MAR countries. This initiative seeks to translate environmental commitments into practical local governance action and scale successful solutions regionally.
Overall, through the project’s effective execution, Sureste Sostenible strengthened the MAR Leadership alumni network as a vibrant regional community of practice. The initiative reinforced cross-border collaboration, fostered technological and social innovation, elevated alumni as regional ambassadors, and positioned the network to continue driving conservation impact, policy influence, and sustainable economic solutions for the long-term health of the Mesoamerican Reef and the communities that depend on it.
Growing Future Ocean Guardians: Youth Leadership and Community Action Strengthen Conservation in Northern Belize
Photos: Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development
Author: Mr. Samuel Barrett
In the coastal village of Sarteneja in Northern Belize, a new generation of conservation leaders is emerging. Through hands-on education, community engagement, and sustainable tourism, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) is strengthening the protection of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) while empowering local youth and communities to become long-term stewards of their natural resources.
Supported through the project “Addressing specific recommendations for the effective management of Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary,” SACD implemented a series of initiatives designed to reinforce protected area governance, engage stakeholders, and improve financial sustainability for conservation efforts.
One of the project’s most inspiring outcomes was the launch of the Junior Mangrove Guardians (JMG), a youth conservation program designed to connect students with the ecosystems and species that define Belize’s northern seascape. Twelve students from Sarteneja joined the inaugural cohort, participating in monthly learning sessions led by conservation organizations, researchers, and government agencies.
Students explored topics such as manatee conservation, shark ecology, mangrove ecosystems, and marine protected areas, learning directly from national conservation experts. Classroom lessons were complemented by experiential field activities that allowed participants to observe wildlife and understand how conservation efforts function in practice.
A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) evaluation conducted before and after the program demonstrated significant improvements across all indicators. Knowledge scores increased from 73% to 83%, attitudes toward conservation rose to nearly 98%, and reported conservation practices increased from 67% to more than 93%. These results highlight the strong potential of youth-focused education programs to build long-term environmental stewardship in coastal communities.
The project also strengthened governance and stakeholder collaboration within CBWS. Regular meetings of the Corozal Bay Advisory Committee (CBAC) and SACD’s Board of Directors helped maintain transparent decision-making and active participation from fishers, community leaders, and conservation partners.
At the same time, SACD expanded its innovative conservation financing approach through Corozal Bay EcoAdventures (CBEA), hosting five international student expeditions and creating employment opportunities for local residents and supporting ongoing conservation work.
These combined efforts contributed to measurable improvements in protected area management. The Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE), developed internally, for CBWS increased from 89.3% to 91.8%, reflecting progress in community engagement, management planning, and financial sustainability.
By strengthening governance, empowering youth, and creating sustainable financing mechanisms, SACD is helping ensure that the ecosystems of Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary remain protected for generations to come.
Join Her Ocean Accelerator 2026–2027!
El Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund), in partnership with New Ventures, is announcing the call for applications for the Her Ocean Accelerator 2026–2027, a regional acceleration programme designed to support women-led businesses that contribute to the conservation, resilience and sustainable use of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR).
The call is open to women-led businesses in the early stages of growth and scaling up, which demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the MAR and the communities that depend on this ecosystem.
The Her Ocean Accelerator Programme, co-implemented by MAR Fund and New Ventures, is a six-month regional programme that strengthens and scales up businesses led by women with an impact on the Mesoamerican Reef.
Those selected will have access to:
- Personalised mentoring
- Structured acceleration methodology with customised work plan.
- Business and climate change training
- Peer learning and regional and international networking
- Access to catalytic non-repayable financine
- Regional in-person meetings (kick-off and close)
Eligibility criteria:
- Founded and/or led by women (with an active strategic role)
- Located in Quintana Roo (Mexico), Belize, Guatemala or Honduras
- Established operations with recurring clients
- Consolidated team with defined and complementary roles
- Legally constituted entity
- Demonstrated positive environmental impact
- Willingness to adapt and strengthen the business model with external support
The application process consists of two steps. The first is a form to be completed before 15 May, after which candidates will be contacted to continue to the second stage.
Consult the terms of reference and the registration form below
Apply from 20 April to 31 May 2026 and be part of this initiative that promotes female leadership and the conservation of the Mesoamerican Reef!
In-Person Training for Post-Storm Reef Response Coordinating Committees in Belize
MAR Fund’s Reef Rescue Initiative convened the In-Person Training for Post-Storm Reef Response Coordinating Committees in Belize on March 11, strengthening coordination, preparedness, and decision-making in the face of increasing storm impacts on coral reef ecosystems. The training convened members of three Reef Response Coordinating Committees from Hol Chan, Turneffe Atoll, South Water Caye and Glover’s Reef. The workshop provided a collaborative space to deepen participants’ technical knowledge while reinforcing the structures and processes that underpin effective reef response.
A total of 11 in-person participants attended, representing the Belize Fisheries Department, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Through a series of presentations delivered by MAR Fund and The Nature Conservancy, participants were introduced to the updated Response Protocol for the Rescue of Coral Reefs Affected by Hurricanes. This strengthened their understanding of the procedures and tools required to support timely and well-informed action following storm events. The sessions also highlighted financial instruments and mechanisms available across the Mesoamerican Reef region, helping participants better understand how to access and mobilize resources when they are most needed.
A key component of the training was its practical focus. Participants worked through a hands-on exercise to apply the concepts discussed, developing funding proposals for post-storm reef response activities and advancing the refinement of site-specific response plans. This approach ensured that knowledge gained during the workshop could be directly translated into actionable steps within their respective management areas.
The training fostered meaningful dialogue and strengthened relationships among institutions responsible for reef management and conservation in Belize. The exchange of experiences and perspectives led to several important agreements aimed at improving coordination and streamlining decision-making processes. These outcomes underscore the value of continued collaboration and highlight the collective commitment to enhancing reef response governance in the country.
As climate-related threats continue to intensify, initiatives such as this training play a critical role in ensuring that Belize’s reef response committees are equipped not only with the right tools and knowledge, but also with the coordination and confidence needed to respond effectively. The workshop represents an important step forward in safeguarding the resilience of Belize’s coral reefs and the communities that depend on them.
Photos: André Herrera
Phase III in action: strengthening coastal-marine conservation and community well-being in Guatemala and Belize
Photo: MAR Fund
Between December 8 and 16, a technical mission of the project “Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III” (Phase III) confirmed tangible progress in coastal-marine conservation, as well as the strengthening of local capacities in Guatemala and Belize. The visit included the participation of KfW Development Bank and MAR Fund staff, who held exchanges with seven beneficiary organizations and visited the Cerro San Gil Springs Reserve in Guatemala and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve in Belize.
Phase III is financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW. Its objective is the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in and between selected coastal marine protected areas of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR). To achieve this goal, the project promotes actions aimed at improving management and conservation conditions of natural resources in these areas, supports sustainable use measures with the participation of local communities, and strengthens cooperation among key stakeholders involved in the conservation of the MAR’s biodiversity.
Guatemala: strengthening the management of protected areas with community participation
In the department of Izabal, Phase III drives a more integrated and strategic management of coastal-marine protected areas, strengthening inter-institutional coordination and community participation. The reactivation of the Protected Areas Co-managers Table is consolidated as a key space for joint decision-making and regional planning.
This progress was highlighted during the exchange with the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP in Spanish) for the Northeast region, during which it was emphasized how the approved project for CONAP will complement the actions implemented by the Foundation for Eco-development and Conservation (FUNDAECO in Spanish) and Defensores de la Naturaleza Foundation (FDN in Spanish).
In the Cerro San Gil Springs Reserve, FUNDAECO is strengthening area management and community participation. Biological and fisheries monitoring at four sites with potential to become Fish Replenishment Zones (FRZ), along with support for the communities of El Castañal, El Mirador, and El Cedro to protect 500 hectares of forest and 2.9 marine hectares, place these communities as the central axis of resource management. The intention is to sign conservation agreements to formalize community commitment and FUNDAECO’s support.
The sustainable development approach is also beginning to translate into economic benefits. Based on a socioeconomic diagnosis, five productive projects were prioritized that will directly benefit approximately 286 people. Progress in tourism planning at strategic sites such as Ensenada Verde, Casa de la Bahía, and Las Escobas lays the foundation for improving service quality and strengthening the financial sustainability of the protected area.
The scope of FUNDAECO’s work expands with actions to be implemented in the Río Sarstún Multiple Use Area, the Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge, and Cayman Crown No-Take Zone. These interventions will contribute to the conservation of 113,233 hectares that include reef, mangrove, and seagrass ecosystems, integrating community participation into ecosystem protection.
At the Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge, FDN’s actions are strengthening both institutional and community response to environmental pressures. The reactivation of the Lake Izabal technical-scientific table, along with improved control and surveillance measures through interinstitutional patrols and the use of drones, reinforces the protection of the protected area. These efforts are complemented by concrete restoration and fire prevention actions, including the activation of a 10-member forest firefighting brigade and the strengthening of a forest nursery with 15,000 plants.
The social impact is reflected in the strengthening of community organizations of fishers and farmers—artisanal fishers from Bocas del Polochic and Guaritas, and farmers from Bocas del Polochic—who have enhanced capacities to participate in forest restoration and improve their livelihoods. Notable support includes the acquisition of a motorized cargo tricycle, managed by the Women’s Committee of the Guaritas community, to facilitate the transport and marketing of fishery products, as well as a dugout canoe (cayuco) for transporting plants and equipment for forest restoration activities along the Polochic River. Furthermore, the reactivation of the Co-managers Table enabled the training of 115 park rangers from Izabal in control and surveillance, establishing a joint roadmap toward 2026.
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- Visit to a potential fisheries recovery area in Bahía Santo Tomás, Izabal, Guatemala
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- Meeting in Ensenada Verde, Cerro San Gil Spring Protection Reserve, Izabal, Guatemala.
Belize: experiences that strengthen marine conservation in the SAM
In Belize, the projects supported under Phase III are comprehensively strengthening the management of marine protected areas within the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR), combining effective control, scientific monitoring, and community engagement.
At the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, the work of the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) has improved the protection of reefs, commercially important species, and fish spawning aggregation sites by reinforcing control and surveillance, and monitoring and research programs. The identification of 12 sites for the installation of demarcation buoys, along with improvements to operational infrastructure at Hunting Caye—including a solar power system that generates 42.5 kWh and a wastewater treatment system—ensures a permanent and more efficient presence within the protected area.
Community impact stands out as one of the most significant results. The training of four community researchers as PADI certified divers, along with the addition of their own diving instructor, has expanded local capacities for marine monitoring. During the visit, community members shared how their participation in these initiatives—together with the development of sustainable livelihoods such as seaweed soap production and fly fishing, is generating income directly linked to conservation.
At the Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, the CAMP BLUE project, implemented by the Southern Environmental Association (SEA), seeks to improve the management effectiveness of the protected area. The rehabilitation of the pier, the improvements to the field station infrastructure at Little Water Caye, and outreach efforts focused on raising awareness among fishers about the importance of the marine reserve and its ecosystems are strengthening both operations and the relationships with user communities. From a technical standpoint, the project has so far conducted six monitoring activities at fish spawning aggregation sites, five fishery landing monitoring exercises, three commercially important species assessments, and one coral reef health survey, generating key information that supports evidence-based management decisions.
The Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve is implementing some of the most significant innovations in control and surveillance. Thanks to equipment acquired by the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA)—including boats, radar, a drone, and infrared cameras—a continuous 24/7 monitoring system has been established, enabling a timely response to illegal fishing. These enhanced capacities are reflected in 771 effective patrols and in a team of seven better-prepared rangers, whose certifications and specialized training that strengthen the institutional presence within the protected area.
At the same time, systematic monitoring of key species—conch, lobster, and commercially important fish—along with boat-to-boat environmental education activities, contribute to improving compliance with fishing regulations and promoting sustainable practices among the area users
Finally, the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) presented the actions it will implement at the Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monuments, aimed at strengthening management, enforcement, monitoring, and environmental education, laying the groundwork for greater local participation in the conservation of these high ecological value ecosystems.
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- TASA vessel for education and monitoring, Belize.
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- Meeting with community members at TIDE offices, Belize.
Regional cooperation with visible impacts
The Phase III technical mission demonstrated that conservation and sustainable use efforts are generating a positive impact on the ground, directly aligning with the Seas and Biodiversity strategic line of the Regional Environmental Framework Strategy (ERAM) of the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD). By strengthening the management of 113,233 hectares of critical ecosystems in Guatemala and modernizing control and surveillance actions across 287,729 hectares in Belize through the use of radars and drones, these subprojects contribute to the regional goal of preserving the ecological integrity of the MAR.
Likewise, the participation of communities in scientific monitoring and the development of sustainable livelihoods—such as seaweed-based soap production and fly-fishing tourism—demonstrate a participatory governance model that promotes community resilience and the sustainability of fisheries resources. These results reaffirm the commitment of German Cooperation and KfW, MAR Fund and the 31 protected areas benefiting from the project, to continue promoting—through coordinated efforts—healthy ecosystems, regenerative economies, and resilient communities across the MAR.
Photos: MAR Fund
ECOLENS Summit in Belize, Celebrating Regional Partnerships and MAR Fund’s 20th Anniversary
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) continued celebrating its 20th anniversary during the cocktail party held after the ECOLENS Summit: Focusing on People and Nature, at the Belize City Civic Center on March 5, 2026. The summit brought together a diverse coalition of leaders and practitioners working to safeguard Belize’s natural heritage, creating a space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration around shared environmental priorities.
Jointly hosted by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) , the summit convened representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, community groups, and conservation initiatives. Through keynote talks, technical panels, and interactive discussions, the event explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of conservation—from strengthening protected areas and enforcement to advancing innovative financing for nature.
Within this collaborative setting, MAR Fund contributed a regional perspective on conservation finance and cross-border cooperation to protect the Mesoamerican Reef, a vital source of livelihoods and biodiversity for the region. María José González, Executive Director of MAR Fund, joined regional leaders in the panel “Unlocking Sustainable Financing for Marine Protected Areas.” Moderated by Sabreena Daly of Great Belize Media, the discussion brought together Osmany Salas (WWF Mesoamerica), Alana Godoy (The Nature Conservancy), and Fabian Kyne (Caribbean Biodiversity Fund). The panelists explored how innovative financial tools and regional cooperation can help secure resilient marine protected areas while supporting the coastal communities that depend on them.
The day concluded with a closing cocktail celebrating MAR Fund’s two decades of regional cooperation and strategic alliances with founding member Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF), alongside the many partners, friends, and allies who have contributed to advancing conservation across the region. The gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on shared achievements while reaffirming a collective commitment to the long-term protection of the Mesoamerican Reef.
Belize is home to one of the most emblematic sections of the Mesoamerican Reef, and the leadership represented in this room has been instrumental in positioning both the country and the region as an international reference in marine conservation. Our work in Belize has been made possible through strong collaboration.
– Yvonne Ramírez, President of MAR Fund’s Board of Directors
The cocktail also included a tribute to individuals whose work has shaped the conservation history of the Mesoamerican Reef. Beverly Wade, CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, was also honored for her decades of public service and her leadership in advancing marine policy, strengthening marine reserves, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms for sustainable ocean management. Marine scientist Melanie McField was also recognized for her pioneering leadership in reef science and for spearheading the world’s first coral reef “report card,” an initiative that has helped guide conservation action across the region for nearly two decades. Together, the recognitions highlighted the power of science, policy, and collaboration in safeguarding the future of the reef.
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- Alicia Eck on behalf of Beverly Wade, together with María José González.
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- Melanie McField and Yvonne Ramírez
As part of its anniversary year, MAR Fund also announced the completion of a commemorative book to be launched later this year. The publication brings together the stories, partnerships, and shared achievements that have shaped two decades of conservation across the Mesoamerican Reef region, serving as both a reflection on the journey so far and an invitation to continue building the reef’s future together.
As MAR Fund marks twenty years of regional impact, it affirms its commitment to advancing climate action, promoting sustainable fisheries, and supporting the transition toward a regenerative blue economy—one that values inclusion, innovation, and women’s leadership as key drivers of resilience.
Photos: Eliceo Cobb/MAR Fund
Women Entrepreneurs of the Mesoamerican Reef Strengthen Triple‑Impact Initiatives
Photos: MAR Fund
On December 4 and 5, 2025, MAR Fund brought together twelve women entrepreneurs from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico in Guatemala City for a regional exchange to strengthen initiatives with a triple‑impact focus: social, environmental, and economic. The activity was part of the Blue and Regenerative Economy Program, through its Women for the MAR initiative, which seeks to promote the leadership and economic autonomy of women in the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR) through the development of sustainable enterprises.
MAR Fund, Alterna, New Ventures, and Fempower LATAM strengthened key aspects of each project through plenary sessions and workshops on strategic narratives, application of social and environmental safeguards, design of stronger business models, and analytical tools that connect each initiative with the challenges and opportunities of the MAR.
The lecture by Mariana Madero, Director of MAR+Invest at New Ventures Mexico, allowed participants to deepen their understanding of current trends in impact entrepreneurship and the perspective of investors seeking solutions aligned with environmental regeneration.
The use of collaborative methodologies and innovative tools, including artificial intelligence applications and social media trends, enabled the 12 entrepreneurs to refine their business models, strengthen the communication of their proposals, and project their impact, integrating local knowledge, growth vision, and environmental commitment toward a truly regenerative economy. In addition to the tools and training spaces, the meeting created a valuable moment to recognize the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the MAR beyond gender issues: operating in territories with structural limitations, accessing fair financing, balancing community and family responsibilities, and sustaining initiatives that seek to protect ecosystems on which their livelihoods depend.
Sharing these experiences allowed participants to recognize common points, as well as the need for networks and support systems. This exchange strengthened collective confidence and consolidated a space where collaboration becomes a key strategy to continue moving forward.
“To know what each of the women is doing in our communities, to be able to share experiences and learn from other experiences in other communities similar to ours… how to work and what we are doing to strengthen the independence of women, which has been one of the battles we have been achieving… I felt proud to be able to share with other women who are fighting for our community, for women to raise our voices and for our work as women to be recognized.” — Dayani Rodríguez, Pescadería “La Bendición.”
The meeting concluded with the presentation of the projects in a simulated Investor Tank, before representatives of MAR Fund, Alterna, and New Ventures, who offered feedback aimed at sustainability, viability, and scalability of each enterprise. Three proposals with high potential were selected to receive seed capital as an initial boost to continue developing.
The winning proposals were:
- Cocina Lucy (Punta Allen, Mexico): Gastronomic enterprise with consolidated operation, coherent value proposition, and links to responsible tourism and citizen science in collaboration with the local fishing cooperative.
- Pescadería La Bendición (Omoa, Honduras): Women‑led initiative with clear progress in organization and formalization within the fisheries value chain, with potential to strengthen its commercial and community model.
- Mujeres BioFaunTásticas (Laguna Guerrero and Raudales, Mexico): Social project under structuring, with a solid educational narrative and capacity to evolve into a triple‑impact model linked to environmental and community activities.
The participating entrepreneurs concluded the meeting with greater clarity to design proposals that integrate impact and profitability, as well as more confidence to communicate with investors, present their business models, and access regional support and financing networks.
This meeting was made possible thanks to the support of The Summit Foundation, whose funding allowed the entrepreneurs to gather and create a space for learning, collaboration, and regional strengthening.
As a next step, MAR Fund will continue seeking spaces for these initiatives to keep growing, generating alliances, and contributing to the strengthening of an economy focused on responsible practices, innovation, and results that provide environmental stability and real opportunities for women in the MAR.
Photos: Liz Herrera and Mariana Borja – MAR Fund
