Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III

Project Name

Proper management in 4 Coastal Marine Protected Areas in Cozumel Island, in the context of ecosystem connectivity and health, to improve management effectiveness in benefit of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Fundación Comunitaria Cozumel I.A.P. (FCC)

Photo: Blanca Quiroa

Project Summary

The project aims to increase management effectiveness by 20% in four natural protected areas in Cozumel Island (two of federal order and two of state order) to improve the conservation and sustainable use of the ecosystem services the population depends on. The management of knowledge about the condition of the ecosystems will be strengthened through the implementation of an Integrated Information System for Cozumel (IISC), which will make it possible to identify the needs of the ecosystems and subsequently implement adaptive management with the support of the local population. Accurate and timely information will be available on key aspects and biophysical variables of the island’s ecosystems.

In addition, an environmental education and awareness campaign will be carried out for the local population and visitors to improve understanding of the value of the CMPAs ecosystem services and promote better conservation practices through educational programs, events, and mass media. Intersectoral cooperation between the public, private, and social sectors will be strengthened to implement public policies related to water resources and sustainable tourism, guiding conservation processes and sustainable use of natural resources, and strengthening the governance of CMPAs.

Project Name

Sustainable Management and Marine-Coastal Resources Conservation of the Isla Contoy National Park and Northern Zone of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve.

Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Pronatura Península de Yucatán, A.C. (PPY)

Photo: Alexis García Rivero

Project Summary

The project aims to strengthen four subprograms of the Management Programs of the PNIC and the RBCM. The management capacities of the CMPAs will be improved by conducting a structural and functional diagnosis to identify priority areas in coral reef, seagrass, mangrove, and coastal dunes ecosystems, and adopt standardized monitoring protocols. In terms of surveillance, personnel will be trained and equipped, and experiences will be shared with other areas of the MAR to optimize strategies.

In addition, a fisheries management plan will be implemented that will include ecological and socioeconomic analyses of the lobster fishery, and training will be carried out to promote sustainable fishing practices and improve fishermen camps infrastructure.

Actions will also be carried out for coral reef restoration, which will include training CMPA personnel in scuba diving and restoration techniques, as well as the formation of a community brigade to respond to extreme weather events that may affect these ecosystems.

Project Name

Conservation and restoration of marine-coastal ecosystems of Arrecifes de Puerto Morelos National Park, PNAPM.

Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México, A.C. (FFCM)

Photo: María del Carmen García

Project Summary

The project seeks to strengthen the PNAPM management actions and increase the area devoted to coral reef and coastal dunes restoration, with a focus on climate change adaptation and the active participation of various social sectors.

The technical capacities of park rangers and their allies will be improved to comply with PNAPM regulations, through the use of innovative technologies for surveillance, legal strengthening, and the exchange of experiences with other MAR CMPAs. The health status of marine-coastal ecosystems and the efficiency of coral reef and coastal dunes restoration strategies will be evaluated. This process will allow participatory planning of new strategies and increase the area intervened for restoration.

In addition, a massive environmental education campaign will be carried out through social media networks, local media, and in-person events to inform the population about the importance of conserving the PNAPM’s marine-coastal ecosystems.

Project name

Conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Photo: TASA

Co-manager

Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA)

Project Summary

TASA will implement a project with the participation of fishing cooperatives and the seven communities in the CMPA buffer zone. The project will support the strategies of the management plan and address illegal fishing in no-take zones by training park rangers, the acquisition of key equipment, and integration of innovative technology into their control and surveillance activities. In addition, new fish replenishment zones will be demarcated, and education and awareness of the protected area’s zoning will be increased. To reduce overfishing, economic alternatives for fishermen will be promoted, such as the expansion of seaweed mariculture in Turneffe.

Project name

Enhancing Protection and Conservation of Commercial Species, Coral Reefs, and Fish Spawning Aggregation Sites in Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, Belize.

Co-manager

Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE)

Photo: Edwin Cabrera

Project Summary

TIDE will implement the management plan strategies to protect and conserve biodiversity of commercial species and ecosystems of the CMPA, focusing on fish spawning aggregations (FSA), including the new Cayman Crown area. This project will involve key groups from Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, and will benefit the fishing communities that depend on this area. Activities will be carried out to address illegal transboundary fishing in no-take zones and FSAs, using innovative surveillance technology, as well as the declaration and protection of new FSA sites and the study of key commercial species. Infrastructure will be rehabilitated to ensure the proper functioning of the CMPA. In addition, staff will be trained in methods to address stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) and mitigate its spread. Fishers will be supported to develop alternative livelihoods and alliances with organizations from Guatemala and Honduras will be strengthened.

Project name

CAMP BLUE – Cultivating – Conservation, Advanced Diversification, Management, and Protection of Blue Economies within the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve.

Photo: SEA

Co-manager

Southern Environmental Association (SEA)

Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Humana People to People Belize (HPPBZ)

Project Summary

The project aims to improve the effectiveness of the protected area’s management through the participation of communities, the public and private sectors. To address illegal fishing and overfishing, innovative technologies will be used and the community will be trained in their use.

Key equipment will be purchased to improve their control and surveillance activities and community participation will be encouraged through a program of researchers who will collect data for adaptive management. To address unsustainable tourism practices, guides and operators will be trained in regulations and best practices. The necessary infrastructure will also be rehabilitated to ensure the proper functioning of the CMPA.

Project name

Towards effective governance and sustainable and participatory management of wetlands in the Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge, Izabal, Guatemala.

Co-manager

Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza (FDN)

Photo: Rocío Paz

Project Summary

The project aims to ensure that management decisions in the Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge are based on up-to-date information and tools, strengthening the environmental and social management of the protected area. Standardized methodologies for biological monitoring of birds, fish, water quality, and manatees will be developed, and governance will be improved through collaborative surveillance strategies.

A forest restoration plan will be designed that includes biological connectivity zones and a plan for sustainable use of firewood, developed in conjunction with government entities and local stakeholders. In addition, activities will be carried out to strengthen community adaptation to climate change and promote the sustainable use of resources.

Spaces for exchange and coordination among stakeholders will be reactivated to improve the management of natural resources and protected areas.

Project name

Strengthening Conservation, Connectivity and Sustainable Management actions in Cerro San Gil Springs Reserve.

Co-manager

Fundación para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservación (FUNDAECO)

Photo: FUNDAECO

Project Summary

The project aims to achieve long-term sustainability of Cerro San Gil Springs Reserve by improving management effectiveness and increasing the participation of local stakeholders. A connectivity approach will be adopted between Cerro San Gil, Santo Tomás de Castilla Bay and, Río Dulce National Park (From ridge-to-reef).

The forests of the upper basin will be protected and restored, the protection of coastal-marine habitats will be strengthened with local participation, personnel will be trained in surveillance and protection of coastal areas, fish replenishment zones will be established in a participatory manner, and community projects will be implemented to improve the quality of life and resilience to climate change, prioritizing women and young people. In addition, the development of a strategy to reduce plastic pollution in the Amatique Bay will be promoted, working with communities and municipalities to manage waste.

Sustainability mechanisms and investments in ecotourism and payments for environmental services will be developed.

Project Name

Strengthening actions for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal marine resources in Guanaja.

Co-manager

Bay Island Conservation Association (BICA)

Photo: Cristina Cáceres

Project Summary

The project focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine-coastal resources, addressing ecosystem restoration and promoting the declaration of two sites of importance for wildlife where there are FSAs.

It will include the development of a waste management plan, as well as the development of communication and environmental education strategies.

Economic alternatives to fishing will be sought for the communities, mangroves will be restored, the management effectiveness of the area will be analyzed, and marine water quality will be studied for science-based management decisions.

Local stakeholders such as community savings clubs, students, and community boards will participate in the project, indirectly benefiting the entire population of Guanaja.

Project Name

Strengthening the management, conservation and connectivity of Fish Spawning Aggregation (FSA) sites through protection, community participation, and research in the Cayos Cochinos Marine Natural Monument, Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge and Bahía de Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge.

Photo: Abraham Canaca

Co-manager

Fundación hondureña para la Protección y Conservación de Cayos Cochinos

Project Summary

The project will strengthen the protection of FSA sites against illegal fishing by equipping boats and training park rangers for surveillance activities, as well as conducting studies on the status of FSA sites.

Public awareness will also be promoted by training local communities in catch monitoring techniques and marine governance and access rights to fishery resources will be strengthened. Conservation will be promoted by updating the protection plans of three CMPAs. In addition, the Roatán Banks site will be included in the ministerial agreement for fishing closures to promote its protection.

Project Name

Improvement of the ecological integrity of the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge with a focus on biological and social connectivity.

Photo: FUCSA

Co-manager

Fundación Cuero y Salado (FUCSA)

Project Summary

The project aims to establish effective mechanisms for the integrated management of the CMPA, addressing threats to mangroves, wetlands, river systems, and reefs. Studies will be conducted to understand the loss of river flow, a proposal will be designed to establish Fish Replenishment Zones (FRZs), and patrols will be improved through the use of innovative technology.

In addition, livelihoods will be diversified through sustainable fisheries and tourism, community emergency response capacity will be strengthened, and financial and social resilience will be promoted.

Project Name

Strengthening of local stakeholders, neighboring communities, and staff of the marine protected area Bahía de Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge, Atlántida, Honduras.

Photo: Mario Motiño

Co-manager

Asociación Amigos de los Arrecifes de Tela (AMATELA)

Project Summary

The project aims to strengthen the local population’s knowledge and participation in the conservation of marine-coastal resources. Local authorities will be trained in application of current regulations, improving the capacities of the personnel in charge of managing the protected area and providing them with the necessary equipment.

A public use plan will be developed, tourism service providers will be certified, lionfish population control will be promoted, as well as sustainable fishing through workshops for fishermen and the promotion of responsible practices.

In addition, partnerships will be strengthened with co-managers of other coastal protected areas in the northern region of Honduras, such as Fundación Cuero y Salado and the Fundación hondureña para la Protección y Conservación de Cayos Cochinos.

Project Name

Strengthening coordination and capacities for the management of the STMX-X transversal biological corridor and the central zone of the RBCM.

Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Pronatura Península de Yucatán A.C. (PPY).

Photo: Teresa V. González

Project Summary

The project aims to strengthen inter-institutional coordination in the management of the STMX-X transversal biological corridor and the RBCM, in order to improve biodiversity conservation, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and support the development of local communities.

Throughout the project, groundwater quality will be assessed and mitigation measures for pollution will be proposed. The current state of artisanal fishing will be analyzed, including the identification of unregulated fishing activities. Fishers will receive training in sustainable practices, product added value, fish refuge zones, and reproductive aggregations. Also, tourism activities will be evaluated for management measures, and training will be provided to the tourism sector.

Studies will be conducted on the condition of key ecosystems (reefs and seagrasses) for future restoration efforts. Invasive species will be controlled, and joint management actions will be implemented between both protected areas.

Project Name

Chacmochuch-Manatí, a coastal-marine corridor that connects nature and people; an ecosystem that provides economy, security, and livelihoods.

Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Pronatura Península de Yucatán (PPY).

Photo: Gonzálo Aldana

Project Summary

The project aims to improve the Chacmochuch–Manatí Corridor management by strengthening the connection between people and nature, biodiversity conservation (mangroves, seagrasses, and fisheries), and the sustainable use of natural resources.
To achieve this, a communication and environmental education strategy will be developed for communities, resource users, and visitors. Citizen science will be encouraged through community committees, and experience-exchange and training will be promoted to strengthen actions in surveillance, conservation, restoration, and sustainable fishing.

Laguna Manatí will be established as a community observatory for children’s environmental education. An Environmental Surveillance and Control Center will be built, including mobile units, and participatory governance will be reinforced through community guardians. Additionally, technical studies will be carried out to assess ecosystem health, including: a lagoon ecosystem assessment, a pre-feasibility analysis for mangrove restoration, blue carbon estimation, and ecosystem service valuation.

These studies will support efforts to strengthen corridor protection at both national and international levels. Also, community development will be promoted through support for sustainable productive projects that provide alternative livelihoods, economic benefits, and reinforce local identity.

Project Name

Strengthening Monitoring and Restoration Actions in Four Marine-Coastal Protected Areas in Southern Quintana Roo for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Mesoamerican Reef System.

Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Espacios Naturales y Desarrollo Sustentable A.C. (ENDESU)

Photo: CONANP

Project Summary

The project aims to strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of four coastal marine protected areas (CMPAs) in southern Quintana Roo through knowledge and implementing protection, restoration, and/or rehabilitation actions for coral reefs and priority coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and coastal dunes, with the local communities participation.

To achieve this goal, the technical and operational capacities of staff and strategic partners will be enhanced through equipment provision, training, certifications, and experience exchange. A comprehensive assessment of reef health will be developed, and management and restoration actions will be implemented in priority sites, accompanied by an action plan and outreach strategies targeting communities and key stakeholders, including a citizen science program.

Additionally, at least two community brigades will be formed and trained to respond to environmental emergencies affecting the priority ecosystems within the four CMPAs. Residents, tourism service providers, and fishers will also be trained in best practices for the sustainable use of biodiversity.

Project Name

Strengthening transboundary collaboration for effective fisheries and MPA management in the Corozal/Chetumal Bay

Co-manager

Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation & Development (SACD)

Photo: SACD

Project Summary

The project aims to strengthen transboundary management between Belize and Mexico in the protected areas CBWS and RESMBCH. To achieve this, the institutional capacity of the responsible organizations – SACD in Belize and the Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas of the State of Quintana Roo (IBANQROO in Spanish) in Mexico – will be improved, sustainable fishing will be promoted, and management effectiveness will be increased to 75% in both protected areas. 

Conservation plans for the Antillean manatee and the blue crab will be implemented, along with monitoring platforms and data exchange. Additionally, surveillance programs will be strengthened using the SMART tool, a fish replenishment zone will be established in RESMBCH, and sustainable fishing and tourism management plans will be developed. Environmental education and community participation will also be promoted through a citizen science program and transboundary training for tour guides and women community leaders.

Project Name

Enhancing biodiversity protection zones within and around Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monuments for improved management effectiveness.

Co-manager

Belize Audubon Society (BAS)

Photo: Belize Audubon Society

Project Summary

The project aims to improve management effectiveness in the HMCNM and BHNM areas through the introduction of innovative surveillance technologies, strengthening of surveillance personnel capacities, and the pilot implementation of HMCNM as a landing site to monitor commercial fishing across the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

To support evidence-based management, the capacities of research staff will be strengthened, new studies on coral reefs and fish spawning aggregation sites will be conducted, and specialized equipment will be installed to enhance monitoring and decision-making.

The project recognizes key stakeholders as essential partners for its success. Therefore, their participation will be promoted through community initiatives that improve local well-being, align incentives toward pro-environmental behavior, and raise awareness of existing regulations. The project will contribute to advancing conservation goals, support sustainable use, and foster resilience in the face of challenges posed by climate change and other environmental pressures, enabling informed decision-making for adaptive management in both areas.

Project Name

Blue Node: North-East Region – A sustainable and innovative governance model to ensure effective management of PNRD and RVSPM, and to support local livelihoods through multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral coordination

Name of the Civil Society Organization (CSO)

Alianza de Derecho Ambiental y Agua (ADA2).

Photo: Eliseo Bo

Project Summary

The project aims to consolidate an inclusive governance model that promotes the conservation of priority ecosystems, the creation of advocacy spaces, and the establishment of strategic partnerships to improve comprehensive, and sustainable management effectiveness, of two coastal marine protected areas (CMPAs).

To achieve this, actions will be implemented focusing on the conservation and restoration of key ecosystems, updating and systematization of biological information, strengthening local governance spaces, boosting of local community economies, and designing and implementing a financial sustainability model for both protected areas. By the end of the project, the goal is to have a consolidated governance model that has contributed to the recovery of territorial governance and the sustainable conservation of natural resources through strong and lasting partnerships.

While the project primarily focuses on PNRD and RVSPM, it also includes activities at national and trinational levels (Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras), such as participation in conferences, exchanges, meetings, and workshops.

Project Name

Strengthening Participatory Protection Actions for Key Habitats in the Río Sarstún Multiple Use Protected Area, the Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge, and Connectivity Zones for the Mesoamerican Reef System.

Co-manager

Fundación para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservación (FUNDAECO)

Photo: Emilio Pitán

Project Summary

This project aims to strengthen the protection of key ecosystems and the connectivity of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR) by improving management capacities, enhancing participation and benefits for local stakeholders, and the coordination between the protected areas of Río Sarstún and Punta de Manabique, including Cayman Crown.

To achieve this, activities will be implemented to improve area management capacities, strengthen the protection of priority ecosystems, promote territorial governance and community participation, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and increase the generation of scientific information for informed management.

The project will provide equipment and basic infrastructure for area management, staff training, the signing of conservation agreements with communities, the strengthening of local capacities, and the development of sustainable productive projects that increase community resilience to climate change.

It is expected to achieve a greater management effectiveness of the protected areas, improved conservation of key MAR ecosystems, and increased community resilience as a result of active participation in the sustainable management of coastal marine resources.

Project Name

Empowerment and strengthening of local stakeholders, communities, and staff to promote the sustainable management of the protected areas Blanca Janeth Kawas Fernández National Park (PNBJKF, in Spanish) and Punta Izopo National Park (PNPI, in Spanish)

Co-manager

Fundación para la Protección de Lancetilla, Punta Sal y Texiguat (PROLANSATE)

Photo: PROLANSATE

Project Summary

The project aims to strengthen the management of the coastal marine protected areas (CMPAs) through training, equipment provision, and community participation, addressing threats such as overfishing, invasive species, agricultural expansion, and pollution.

It is structured around four main components:
1) Institutional strengthening of co-managers through equipment provision and training in biological monitoring and data analysis;
2) Promotion of community participation to encourage sustainable practices in the use of natural resources;
3) Increasing knowledge of local stakeholders through the development and implementation of a communications plan; and
4) Sustainable  fishery resources management by promoting alternative livelihoods to fishing.

The project is coordinated with the Strengthening of the National System of Protected Areas of Honduras (SINAPH in Spanish)/LifeWeb Initiative project, funded by KfW, creating synergies that enhance its impact. The project’s activities are aligned with the biannual operational plans of the CMPAs, thereby directly contributing to the protected area management effectiveness evaluation.