RedLAC 2025 Congress: A Space for Conservation and Sustainable Finance
Photo: RedLAC
The RedLAC 2025 Congress, held in Chile from September 30 to October 3, was a gathering marked by commitment, innovation, and hope for the future of our planet. MAR Fund participated in this annual event, which brings together environmental funds and key stakeholders to strengthen financing dedicated to environmental conservation.
This edition was organized by Fondo Naturaleza Chile in collaboration with the Network of Environmental Funds of Latin America and the Caribbean (RedLAC) and took place in the cities of Santiago and Frutillar. From local voices to international experts, the dialogue centered on how financial innovation and cooperation are essential to tackling today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
RedLAC is a vibrant and growing community that has united 34 funds from 20 countries since its founding in 1999. Through initiatives that build capacity and manage knowledge, RedLAC fosters connections among the region’s environmental funds with the goal of conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Its members support the protection of over 900 natural areas, positioning RedLAC as a key actor in advancing innovative and collaborative financial solutions to safeguard the most critical ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean.
MAR Fund shared its experiences and continued learning from other organizations that, like us, are driven by the belief that conservation is possible when we act collectively.
Our Executive Director, María José González, took part in the panel on the trajectory and impact of environmental funds, where she recounted the history of the network’s creation and reflected on this pivotal moment for RedLAC as it becomes institutionalized. She also participated in the panel titled “Oceans in Danger: Conservation and Sustainable Management of the Marine Ecosystem,” where she addressed the urgent need to protect our oceans.
María José presented MAR Fund’s vision for the most effective strategies to conserve and sustainably manage coastal and marine ecosystems, and shared her perspective on the role of environmental funds in establishing long-term financial mechanisms that are both effective and sustainable. She emphasized that environmental funds should serve as “aggregators of partners and allies” in the design, establishment, and operation of mechanisms that are innovative yet complex in structure and management. The panel explored strategies to enhance the resilience of these ecosystems in the face of threats such as climate change, pollution, and overexploitation, underscoring that successful conservation requires a blend of scientific knowledge, innovative financing, and collaborative efforts among communities, governments, and scientists.
Presentations and panels addressed a range of timely topics, including ocean health, the potential of artificial intelligence for conservation, watershed restoration, and the urgency of adopting a Nature Positive approach. The final field visit to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park served as a vivid and inspiring reminder of what we are protecting and why every effort matters.
Photos courtesy of RedLAC
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MAR Fund Shares Key Learnings at the Global Closing Workshop of the UNDP-AFCIA Climate Innovation Accelerator
Over the past five years, the UNDP-AFCIA Climate Innovation Accelerator, supported by the Adaptation Fund, has backed projects that strengthen community resilience to climate change, improve access to climate financing, and promote inclusive solutions for women, youth, and local communities. Within this framework, MAR Fund stood out for its leadership in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region through its parametric insurance and reef restoration program—positioning the MAR as an international benchmark for climate innovation.
In September, this global effort culminated in the Global Closing Workshop of the Climate Innovation Accelerator, where Claudia Ruiz, Coordinator of MAR Fund’s Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI), represented the organization.
The workshop brought together representatives from 44 organizations participating in the UNDP-AFCIA program. Attendees engaged with investors, exchanged experiences through roundtables and innovation labs, and held discussions on scalability and investment strategies.
As an implementing partner of the UNDP-AFCIA from April 2022 to October 2025, MAR Fund has contributed to the program through the project “The MAR Insurance Programme: Reef Restoration for Resilient Mesoamerican Reef Communities.”
During the Policy Advocacy and Systemic Transformation session, MAR Fund shared its experience working with governments, offering key insights on public policy analysis and identifying strategic entry points to drive systemic change in favor of reef conservation and resilience. Claudia Ruiz joined experts from SPARC (India), Centro Sabiá (Brazil), and Fundación Proiectum Macrillanti (Argentina) in an interactive panel focused on collective learning.
MAR Fund also participated in the thematic session on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Disaster Risk Reduction, and Recovery, where the parametric insurance program was highlighted, and key criteria for strengthening innovative NbS initiatives were discussed. These sessions created spaces for technical and strategic exchange, helping explore integrated approaches to scaling climate solutions tailored to local contexts and enhancing community resilience.
MAR Fund expresses its sincere gratitude to the UNDP-AFCIA Climate Innovation Accelerator and the Adaptation Fund for their support over the past five years, as well as to all participating organizations for the valuable exchange of knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned. This global collaboration continues to strengthen our collective response to climate change and reinforces our commitment to protecting the Mesoamerican Reef—safeguarding its vital role in the well-being of communities and biodiversity throughout the region.
Photos: Claudia Ruiz
Strengthening Leadership and Scaling Nature-Based Solutions: MAR-Leadership Build & Connect 2023
Photo: Sureste Sostenible A.C.
The 2023 cohort of the MAR Leadership (MAR-L), Build & Connect Program, supported by the Summit Foundation, the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund), and implemented by Sureste Sostenible, was successfully launched to empower environmental leaders and promote nature-based solutions entrepreneurship in the four countries of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
As part of the broader MAR+Invest initiative—supported by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), bringing together partner organizations like the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature (FMCN), Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRHP), New Ventures, and Viwala— the program seeks to mobilize private capital and develop financial solutions that de-risk investment for businesses that generate positive impact on the MAR and its coastal communities, making it easier to access funding.
New conservation-driven market initiatives are emerging in the region with the potential to transform ecosystems and economies; however, these solutions often face immense barriers blocking the attraction of capital.
In the conservation sector, efforts are often constrained by a limited capacity for market-based initiatives, patient capital, and a lack of entrepreneurship and investment ecosystems. These gaps are further compounded by challenges in the investor sector, like the lack of investment, high-risk country profiles deterring international investment (except in Mexico), climate risk raising capital costs, high monitoring and evaluation costs, and few incentives for green and blue financing. As a result, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, along with innovators working toward reef-positive solutions, faces the lack of business development support and grants, complex and costly impact monitoring requirements, and restricted access to appropriate financing tools.
To directly respond to these barriers, the 2023 Build & Connect cohort selected early-stage, high-potential initiatives from across the MAR region that embody innovation and community leadership.
Key Components and Mentoring Strategy
The program was a 10-month journey that provided training for 21 leaders from the MAR who introduced 14 innovative business projects aimed at driving ecological, economic, and social change. Four of them are active projects, and the teams are highly committed to their success, having agreed in 2025 to continue strengthening their capacities to further develop and strengthen their business models.
Training covered financial tools, leadership skills, impact measurement, storytelling, business model canvas, and others.
More than 6,300 people have directly and indirectly benefited from the projects developed by the 2023 cohort. These efforts resulted in 25 collaborations and multiple exchanges of information and know-how among participants.
Creating a network of leaders who exchange knowledge and collaborate toward common goals.
Credits: Moments by Amaya Juan.
Future in Progress: The Growth of the Build & Connect Projects
Throughout the training, the 14 projects received monthly business mentoring to ensure continuous refinement. Following this process, the six most promising projects—selected for their coral-positive impact and business potential—benefited from a tailored business Acceleration Program provided by MAR+Invest’s partner, New Ventures. In addition, four virtual sessions connected participants with the MAR Leadership community, engaging 65 leaders from different generations to foster regional collaboration for reef conservation.
These 14 projects spanned diverse areas such as coral reef tourism restoration, invasive species control, waste management and recycling, artisanal souvenirs and jewelry made from invasive species, and sustainable food production. Eleven of these projects are women-led, highlighting the significant role of female entrepreneurs in the MAR conservation movement.
Key outcomes included identifying common challenges among the leaders and setting goals for the next 6-12 months, such as consolidating business strategies, forming partnerships, and launching products to market. Leaders also planned to generate profit within two years. The feedback session revealed that 100% of the participants felt the program strengthened their leadership and networking skills, with 81.3% rating it as “highly good.”
MAR-L 2023 Graduation and Strategic Outlook
A significant milestone of the program was the graduation of 16 leaders of the MAR-L 2023 cohort. Eleven of these leaders attended the four-day in-person graduation event in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, from March 12th to 15th, 2024, alongside key stakeholders from the conservation and business sectors. Participants received expert feedback on their project pitches, improving their communication with potential investors and donors. The event marked the culmination of a year-long process under the MAR+Invest initiative, which supports commercially viable projects that contribute to coral reef conservation. Currently, four of these projects have secured clients and are being implemented, helping to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
The MAR Leadership Build and Connect 2023 program empowered change agents across the MAR region to transform nature-based solutions into impactful, market-ready ventures. The cohort focused on launching a targeted mentorship initiative for five selected participants from the 2023 cohort who are actively advancing nature-based solutions or positive-impact projects in the environmental sector. This selection was based on the scalability, implementation progress, and investment potential of their initiatives. The mentorship provided tailored technical, strategic, and financial guidance to help them accelerate their projects.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Lasting Impact
A user-friendly Monitoring & Evaluating System (M&E) was also designed to track the progress of MAR-L leaders, measuring the impact of their projects on the reef ecosystem and local communities. This centralized database already contains information on over 100 leaders and includes more than 50 indicators, exceeding initial expectations. The system combines qualitative and quantitative measures, providing a well-rounded assessment of the program’s effectiveness.
In all cohorts, the program’s strong focus on soft skills development significantly strengthens the fellows’ leadership, communication, and negotiation abilities, with 100% of participants reporting improvements in their leadership capabilities.
By integrating leadership training, strategic fundraising, and robust data management, this collaborative effort between MAR Fund and Sureste Sostenible has created a solid foundation for lasting environmental impact through local leaders and entrepreneurs— who are key to unlocking durable solutions for the Mesoamerican Reef. By mentoring early-stage initiatives, the program enhances the capacity of local actors to develop and implement nature-based solutions that restore reef ecosystems, mitigate environmental pressures, and foster sustainable livelihoods. Supporting leaders at this critical early phase increases the chances that their ventures will scale, attract investment, and generate long-term benefits for both communities and marine ecosystems.
Together, we are building a future where nature-based solutions evolve into thriving, impactful businesses that benefit both people and the planet.
In-person workshops for the development of technical and soft skills of the MAR Leadership Build & Connect 2023 cohort, Puerto Morelos, México. Credits: Sureste Sostenible A.C.
The MAR Insurance Programme enters its fifth year, advancing climate resilience across the Mesoamerican Reef
Photo: Elisa Areano
September 2025 — The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) and Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), are pleased to announce the appointment of AXA Climate as the insurance solutions designer for the fifth annual placement of the MAR Insurance Programme. This year’s renewal has been made possible with financial support from the InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF), a key partner of the program since its first placement in 2021.
The MAR Region provides over US$4.5 billion in environmental services annually[1]. As a vital natural infrastructure, it plays a key role in protecting more than 5 million people living within 50 km of the coast throughout the MAR region. The MAR Insurance Programme, a cornerstone of MAR Fund’s Reef Rescue Initiative, is a regional financial mechanism that utilises parametric insurance to quickly deploy funds for community-led response efforts aimed at repairing reef damage caused by hurricanes. Covering 11 protected reef sites, the insurance supports response actions that strengthen the resilience of coral reef ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them, along the 1,000 km stretch of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras[2].
“The MAR Insurance Programme is an effective mechanism that encompasses not only the insurance product itself, but also the response capacities. Through this programme, MAR Fund, its partners, and the governments of the region have built a network of reef guardians, ready to respond immediately after a hurricane impacts the coral reefs.”
—María José González, executive director of MAR Fund.
The programme demonstrated its value when Hurricane Lisa, a Category 1 storm, triggered a payout for the Turneffe Atoll National Marine Reserve in Belize in November 2022. This marked the first payout of the MAR Insurance Programme. Willis, serving as the calculation agent, confirmed that wind speeds reached 70 knots, activating the payout, which MAR Fund received within two weeks. Funds were delivered to MAR Fund´s Emergency Fund, another pillar of the Reef Rescue Initiative, and were quickly distributed to Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), which coordinated the response. Within 15 days of the hurricane, brigades assessed the reef damage and stabilised nearly 200 coral fragments.
“Willis is proud to be a part of the team that continues to deliver this ground-breaking initiative to the MAR region. The MAR Insurance Programme demonstrates how novel approaches to risk financing can play a critical role in ecosystem resilience, conservation financing and strengthening the economic opportunities of local communities in the face of the increasing impacts of climate change.”
—Juanita Blanco, Director, Alternative Risk Transfer Solutions at Willis.
Now entering its fifth year of operation, the portfolio has expanded from 4 sites in 2021 to 11 reef sites across the MAR region since 2023. This has been possible thanks to the generous premium support from ISF. During its implementation, the programme has been supported by partners, such as the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) and the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA/UNDP). The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has joined this effort, strengthening the coverage and capacities at two sites in southern Belize. Willis’ Alternative Risk Transfer team has placed the product competitively in markets, and for this year, AXA Climate is the insurance provider.
“At AXA Climate, we are proud to put our expertise in parametric insurance at the service of the MAR Insurance Programme. The mechanism has already demonstrated its usefulness by providing rapid financing for reef restoration after hurricane impacts. By combining science, insurance, and local action, it helps protect vital ecosystems and strengthen the resilience of the millions of people who depend on the Mesoamerican Reef.”
—Antoine Denoix, CEO of AXA Climate.
In the face of climate change, this innovative solution unlocks disaster response financing for the coral reefs of the MAR by using parametric insurance to provide timely and reliable funding for immediate response actions following a hurricane. This regional approach also strengthens collaboration across the region, resulting in a network of partners committed to exploRemove featured imagering the replication and scaling of the model to other sites, risks, and assets.
“The MAR Insurance Programme is paving the way for nature-based solutions against climate risks. 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.
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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 organisations 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 will be disbursed within days to the MAR Fund’s existing Emergency Fund. These funds will then be immediately transferred to predefined organisations, which will mobilise response brigades to carry out actions aimed at mitigating hurricane impacts on coral reefs. |
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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 organisations sharpen their strategy, enhance organisational 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. |
[1] Economic Valuation of the Ecosystem Services of the Mesoamerican Reef, and the Allocation and Distribution of these Values, which was prepared by Metroeconomica, World Resources Institute-Mexico, and the Ocean Foundation, for the Inter-American Development Bank. The full report was published in 2021 and can be accessed at: https://publications.iadb.org/en/economic-valuation-ecosystem-services-mesoamericanreef-and-allocation-and-distribution-these
[2] 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.
Photo: Lorenzo Álvarez
Mexico commemorates 20 years of MAR Fund’s work for regional marine conservation
The city of Cancun was the setting for the second commemorative meeting marking 20 years of the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund). The celebration took place on August 26 and brought together government representatives, community leaders, civil society organizations, project managers, and strategic allies with whom MAR Fund has worked for two decades to strengthen the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in the four countries that share the Mesoamerican Reef: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
MAR Fund was established as a regional platform to channel resources, strengthen local capacities, and coordinate efforts in the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR). María José González, executive director of MAR Fund, gave an overview of the results achieved over the past two decades and added:
“What we have built together is a solid foundation for action in the coming years: more partnerships, more innovation, and more direct action on the ground.”
Throughout history, she acknowledged the founding funds—including the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature—for their key role in institutional consolidation. She also highlighted the importance of partnerships with government entities, the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), the Quintana Roo Ministry of the Environment (SEMA), and the Quintana Roo Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas (IBANQROO), which have been strategic partners in the implementation of conservation actions in Mexico. The same has been true of counterpart environmental authorities in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, which have helped strengthen the MAR Fund’s regional approach.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the presentation of two testimonials on the work that has been built with partners in Quintana Roo: Mariela Gómez Dzib, from the Cooperativa Mujeres del Mar, and Alejandro López Tamayo, general director of Centinelas del Agua, who shared the growth and impact their organizations have had thanks to the support of MAR Fund.
The event also included a tribute to individuals who have left their mark on the history of SAM. María del Carmen García Rivas and Lourdes Vásquez Yeomans received recognition for their careers and commitment to marine conservation. Both biologists and researchers, represent pillars of knowledge and action that continue to inspire new generations.
Lorenzo de Rosenzweig, first chair of the MAR Fund board of directors during his tenure as CEO of FMCN, shared his thoughts on the fund’s journey and future. He also recalled how the creation of the Latin American and Caribbean Environmental Funds Network (RedLAC) was key for all environmental funds in the region.
Javier Carballar Osorio, representing the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama Espinosa, acknowledged the work of MAR Fund in southeastern Mexico. He highlighted the value of regional partnerships as a driver of conservation and the strengthening of ecological connectivity in the Mesoamerican Reef. His speech reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to regional cooperation, applied science, and the sustainable development of coastal communities.
The day ended with a toast and a showcase of productive projects led by women: Xcal’arte (jewelry made from lionfish), Re-utilizando (upcycled jewelry), and Mujeres BioFaunTásticas (handicrafts inspired by marine fauna), which reflect the talent and creativity of coastal communities.
Beyond quantifiable results, MAR Fund’s legacy is reflected in more resilient communities, better-protected ecosystems, and a growing regional collaboration network. The future of the Mesoamerican Reef depends on joint action. With this vision, MAR Fund seeks to continue building sustainable solutions alongside its allies.
PHOTOS: María José Hernández, Judith Morales, Cintia Landa, Amy Jones y Aaron Siller.
Making Waves: How SACD’s “River-to-Reef” Expeditions Are Transforming Conservation and Community in Northern Belize
Photo: Diveana Samos/ SACD
Author: Samuel Barrett
The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) is revolutionizing conservation funding with an innovative, eco-friendly approach! Through the “River-to-Reef” academic expedition hosting initiative, SACD is not only protecting the incredible Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) but also empowering local communities—all while securing financial sustainability for years to come.
An Unforgettable Journey
Picture this: students and researchers from across the globe embark on an immersive, conservation-focused adventure in the stunning seascapes of CBWS. Between May 2023 and February 2025, SACD transformed its Tourism Expedition Hosting Facility (TEHF) into a hub for experiential learning, bringing visitors face-to-face with the vibrant marine life and rich cultural heritage of Sarteneja Village, Belize. This groundbreaking initiative is a game-changer, proving that conservation and sustainable tourism can go hand in hand!
Breaking Records & Changing Lives
SACD has generated an impressive tourism revenue during 2024, covering more than 21% of its annual budget; an unprecedented leap toward financial independence and an increase of nearly 5% compared with 2023. With seven international expeditions hosted in 2023-2024, the initiative has created more than 20 new employment opportunities each year, giving boat captains, tour guides, cooks, caretakers, and drivers the chance to thrive. Conservation isn’t just about protecting nature; it’s about uplifting the communities who rely on it.
Sustainability is at the heart of this initiative. The TEHF was built with eco-friendly systems—including solar power and a hydrostatic septic system—to reduce its environmental footprint and help protect the surrounding Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a model for green tourism in action. The impact goes beyond infrastructure. A new partnership with Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College (CEMJC) launched a pilot academic collaboration, giving students hands-on experience in conservation and sustainable tourism. This exciting initiative is set to become an annual component of CEMJC’s Sustainable Tourism curriculum, inspiring future leaders in environmental stewardship.
More Than Conservation – A Life-Changing Impact
This initiative is about more than just protecting marine ecosystems—it’s about forging powerful connections between people and nature. Students have dived into hands-on conservation work, from mangrove restoration and biodiversity monitoring to experiencing the cultural significance of traditional fishing and fostering strong community bonds. By integrating local communities in all aspects of the expeditions, students leave Belize with a deepened understanding of conservation and culture, while local fishers, tour guides, and families benefit from an expanding eco-tourism economy. When nature wins, communities win too.
The Future is Bright – And It’s Just Getting Started
With four expeditions already secured for 2025, SACD is set for even greater impact. The goal is clear—expand academic partnerships, ramp up marketing efforts, and bring even more visitors to experience the magic of CBWS. By proving that conservation can drive economic growth, SACD is setting a gold standard for sustainable eco-tourism.
Through bold vision, innovative thinking, and an unwavering passion for conservation, SACD is charting a new course—one where nature thrives, communities prosper, and adventure awaits!
Students from SACD’s second summer Global Leadership Adventure expedition group of 2024.
Photo: Diveana Samos/ SACD
This note was shared by SACD as part of the conclusion of Project: STRENGTHENING THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF SACD THROUGH ECO-FRIENDLY “RIVER-TO-REEF” ACADEMIC EXPEDITION HOSTING, corresponding to the 15th call for proposals for the MAR Fund Small Grants Program, (SGP) Since 2006, the SGP has funded more than 150 key initiatives for marine and coastal conservation in the Mesoamerican Reef System.
Stronger Together: Reef Response Training Builds Regional Capacity in Belize
Photo: Julio Noble
From July 21st to 25th, San Pedro, Belize, hosted a training course for Post-Storm Response Brigades for Reef in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with the goal of preparing new brigade members and strengthening local capacities to protect the reefs of Belize.
During the training, participants learned how to implement immediate actions before, during, and after a hurricane, based on the Early Warning and Rapid Response Protocol created by The Nature Conservancy in 2019. This protocol guides the necessary steps to reduce hurricane impacts on coral reefs, ecosystems essential to the health of the ocean and the wellbeing of coastal communities.
The newly trained and certified group of brigade members is made up of men and women with different backgrounds: experienced divers, community leaders from San Pedro, and representatives from local institutions and organizations.
Photo: Julio Noble
The sessions were led by an expert instructor from México, with support from an assistant instructor and a Belizean instructor-in-training, who was also certified through this course as a new brigade instructor.
Photo: Julio Noble
I want to extend a Thank you to MAR Fund for extending this training to the trainees. Really we have to be prepared for natural disasters especially in the hurricane season. This training will help in the assessment of damages and restoration of our coral reefs after a hurricane.
– Hon. Andre Perez – Minister of Blue Economy
Being a new Reef Brigade Instructor enables me to contribute even more to my passion in marine conservation. It now enables me to equip our country’s aspiring marine conservationists with the necessary skills needed to assist in coral reef restoration in Belize. I look forward to collaborating with other organizations in creating more Reef Brigades within our country.
– Henry Brown Jr. – Wildlife Conservation Society
With these new brigade members, the regional capacity for rapid and effective response to natural disasters is strengthened, protecting the reefs of the Mesoamerican Reef Region (MAR). This is possible thanks to the commitment of the region’s governments and the valuable support of partners and donors.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is immensely grateful to MAR Fund for its invaluable partnership in the recently completed ‘Post-Storm Reef Brigades Training for Coral Reefs in San Pedro.’ Thanks to this collaboration, we now have a trained and equipped brigade ready to respond swiftly and effectively to reef damage after a storm; which is an essential step in safeguarding the future of our coral ecosystems.
– Vicky Coc – Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Photo: Andre Herrera
Strengthening Regional Capacities: Post-Storm Reef Response Brigade Course in Guatemala’s Caribbean
Photo: Ariel Morales
From July 7 to 11, the city of Santo Tomás de Castilla, Izabal, hosted a training course for Post-Storm Response Brigades, with the goal of preparing new brigade members and strengthening local capacities to protect the reefs of the Caribbean coast of Guatemala.
During the training, participants learned how to implement immediate actions before, during, and after a hurricane, based on the Early Warning and Rapid Response Protocol. This protocol guides the steps necessary to reduce hurricane impacts on coral reefs, ecosystems essential to the health of the ocean and coastal communities.
Photo: André Herrera
Seven new brigade members were trained and certified. The group included experienced divers, members of the communities of Livingston and Cabo Tres Puntas, as well as personnel from the Caribbean Naval Command (CONACAR) and members of local organizations and institutions.
“Being a brigade member for Guatemala makes me proud, to have the skills to respond and contribute to the rescue of coral reefs after a hurricane. This training shows that there are many ocean lovers making an impact, little by little.” – Sofía Fernández, Brigadist.
Seven new brigade members were trained and certified. The group included experienced divers, members of the communities of Livingston and Cabo Tres Puntas, as well as personnel from the Caribbean Naval Command (CONACAR) and members of local organizations and institutions.
This training was coordinated by the Mesoamerican Reef Fund’s (MAR Fund) Reef Rescue Initiative, with support from the Guatemalan Caribbean Post storm Response Committee, comprised of the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), the Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation (FUNDAECO), the Municipality of Puerto Barrios, and CONACAR. The training sessions were funded by the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) through the AF-EU-UNDP (UNDP) Innovation Small Grant Aggregator (ISGAP) small grant platform.
“Undoubtedly, the young people who graduated today are a valuable contribution to the rescue and recovery of our reefs. Thanks to the contribution of MAR Fund and the institutions that made it possible, we now have expert human resources to deal with the consequences of hurricanes and storms.” – Lic. Carlos Tenas Martínez Governor of the Department of Izabal.
The sessions were led by an expert instructor from Guatemala, along with two assistant instructors (from Honduras) and an instructor in the process of certification (from Guatemala), putting into practice the knowledge acquired during the post-storm brigade trainer course held in Puerto Morelos in August 2024.
With these new brigade members, the regional capacity for rapid and effective response to natural disasters is strengthened, protecting the reefs of the Mesoamerican Reef Region (MAR). This is possible thanks to the commitment of the region’s governments and the valuable support of partners and donors.
Photo: Claudia Ocaña
Training and coordination for effective implementation: Initial Workshop for the selected proposals of the 2nd Call of Phase III
Photo: MAR Fund
From July 1-3, the Initial Workshop was held in Guatemala City for the projects selected in the second call of the project “Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III (Phase III)”, an initiative financed by the German Cooperation through KfW, within the framework of MAR Fund’s Saving Our Protected Areas program.
During three days, 31 technical and administrative representatives from 16 marine-coastal protected areas from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras met to strengthen capacities, exchange experiences and align strategies for an effective and coordinated implementation of their projects. Civil society organizations that will accompany the implementation of these projects also participated.
A platform for regional action
During the workshop, Marco Cerezo, representing MAR Fund’s Board of Directors, highlighted the value of this second Phase III call for proposals as an opportunity to give continuity to the work of previous phases, innovate in protected area management and strengthen regional collaboration. He underscored MAR Fund’s role as a platform that articulates resources, partnerships and technical capacities to strengthen the conservation of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR).
Practical training, dialogue and exchange
The workshop combined technical sessions and spaces for exchange between teams, addressing key topics such as:
- Use of the Project Operating Manual and the online Project Management System.
- Guidelines for technical and financial reporting.
- Implementation of the Environmental and Social Action Plans and the monitoring of the Complaints and Grievance Mechanism.
- Strategies to foster collaboration between projects and generate synergies in the territory.
This space made it possible to learn about the projects that will be implemented by the administrators and co-administrators of the different marine-coastal protected areas, strengthen institutional capacities and lay the groundwork for a solid, efficient execution with a regional vision.
More projects, more impact
Ana Beatriz Rivas, coordinator of Phase III, thanked the attendees for their active participation and acknowledged the support of the German Cooperation through KfW, which made possible the financing of eight new projects in this call, in addition to the 12 already supported in the first call. She mentioned that KfW’s support not only finances projects, but also strengthens local capacities, promotes networking and improves the resilience of protected areas and coastal communities.
Looking ahead
The learnings, tools and connections generated during this workshop will be directly translated into concrete actions in the territory. Through these initiatives, MAR Fund and its partners reinforce their commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine-coastal ecosystems in the MAR, contributing to the environmental resilience and well-being of the communities that depend on these valuable resources.
Photos: Liz Herrera y Olga Centeno
The Mesoamerican Reef at the Forefront of the Global Dialogue for the Oceans
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) participated in two key ocean conservation discussion forums, bringing the voice of the Mesoamerican Reef ecoregion as a critical, culturally and biologically diverse region: the Blue Economy Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco, and the Third United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC3) in Nice, France.
As part of the BEFF, MAR Fund participated in a side event organized by The MedFund, in collaboration with the Fondation Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Consortium of African Environmental Funds (CAFÉ) and the Network of Environmental Funds of Latin America and the Caribbean (RedLAC), environmental funds from Africa, the Caribbean and South America, the Conservation Finance Alliance and the Global Environment Facility.
This space highlighted how environmental funds support ocean conservation and can accelerate compliance with the 30×30 target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to protect at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030.
María José González, Executive Director of MAR Fund, presented the work carried out in the region over the Fund’s 20 years. She presented the different operational programs, which include coastal and marine protected areas and climate change, and highlighted innovative projects such as the parametric insurance for coral reefs to cover emergency response after hurricanes and the cross-cutting blue and regenerative economy initiative, MAR+Invest, supported by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.
UNOC3 brought together governments, international agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector and civil society to accelerate actions and partnerships that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 14: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. The agenda addressed key challenges such as marine pollution, unsustainable fishing, loss of coastal habitats and the effects of climate change.
MAR Fund participated in a series of spaces for dialogue and collaboration for sustainable ocean management, including:
- Innovate to conserve: Connecting knowledge, territories and strategies to preserve coral reefs in Latin America.
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- Women and ocean sustainability, a call for ocean governance with gender equality; where the Women for the MAR project was also presented.
- The State of the coral reefs in the Wider Caribbean Sea: A colossal monitoring effort, co-organized by our partner Healthy Reefs for Healthy People.
- Enhancing Coastal Resilience for a Thriving Blue Economy, in which MAR Fund presented the initiative to finance small-scale fishers, as part of MAR+Invest.
“Participation in these global events allows us to learn from successful efforts in other regions and share experiences of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR). Being a convening agent for the Global Fund for Coral Reefs has allowed us, along with our partners at MAR+Invest, to initiate the development of a mixed finance ecosystem in the region and learn with other fund beneficiaries to promote blue ventures with a positive impact on coral reefs, and MAR Fund’s participation in these events reinforces our commitment to innovative and collaborative financing solutions for a healthy and resilient future for the MAR,” concluded González.
About MAR+Invest
MAR+Invest is a partnership between Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (FMCN), Sureste Sostenible, Healthy Reefs for Healthy People, New Ventures, Viwala and MAR Fund. Its goal is to mobilize capital for ventures with positive impact on coral reefs and coastal communities. To learn more, visit: www.mar-invest.org
Credits: RedLAC and María Arteaga