Photo: The Ocean Agency
The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) System is the largest transboundary coral reef, shared between Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, and the largest in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an ecoregion of biological, economic, social, and cultural importance. It has 67 coastal and marine protected areas (CMPAs) distributed as follows: Mexico, 23; Belize, 25; Guatemala, 8; and Honduras, 11.
Effectively managed CMPAs are one of the best tools for conserving natural resources and ecological processes and reducing threats, which allows for generating development opportunities for local communities. Approximately 72% of the region’s reefs and slightly more than half of the mangrove areas are within protected areas. CMPAs supply water, are habitat for numerous species, reduce the impact of natural disasters, and protect traditional ways of life and cultural and spiritual values, among other goods and services.
To better conduct support to the MAR region, MAR Fund facilitated two regional CMPA prioritization exercises. The first exercise, in 2007, resulted in 14 priority areas (4 in Mexico, 4 in Belize, 2 in Guatemala, and 4 in Honduras). The second exercise (2016) had 14 more protected areas distributed in the same way.
Photo: Elisa Areano
Photo: Fundación Albatros
Within the framework of the Saving Our Protected Areas program, MAR Fund implemented, during the 2012-2020 period, the Project “Conservation of Marine Resources in Central America” Phases I and II, carried out in nine priority CMPAs, with the financial contribution of the German Cooperation through the KfW. The German Cooperation has granted a new financial contribution to implement the Project “Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III” (Phase III), which aims to maintain the continuity of the experiences of Phases I and II, for a 5-year period.
Phase III is implemented through two calls for proposals aimed at the managers and co-managers of the CMPAs of the MAR. The first, launched in July 2023, focused on the 14 CMPAs selected in the second regional prioritization exercise; 12 of them became grantees. The second, launched in August 2024, is aimed at all CMPAs of the MAR (except those selected in the first call for proposals) and seeks joint proposals from at least two CMPAs. Currently, this call is in the proposal evaluation process.
The objective of Phase III is the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in and between the coastal marine protected areas of the Mesoamerican Reef System. Its compliance is measured through three indicators:
- Indicator O1: Area in hectares with better conservation1 ,
- Indicator O2: Area of relevant ecosystems with more sustainable use2 and
- Indicator O3: Number of initiatives that support the adaptation of populations vulnerable to climate change.
[1] The criterion for a more effective conservation is the application of measures to improve biodiversity monitoring, control, and surveillance measures, or ecosystem restoration measures.
[2] Relevant ecosystems in the MAR include coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrasses.
Through the implementation of Phase III, it is intended to achieve three results:
- Result 1: The CMPAs have better conditions for the conservation of their natural resources,
- Result 2: Measures implemented for the sustainable use of the natural resources of CMPAs with the participation of the local population, and
- Result 3: Strengthened cooperation among key stakeholders for biodiversity conservation in the MAR.
Compliance with these results will be measured through seven indicators:
- Indicator R1.1: Number of CMPAs implementing best conservation practices,
- Indicator R1.2: Number of people involved in the management of CMPAs with enhanced capabilities,
- Indicator R1.3: Number of selected CMPAs with at least 75% of management effectiveness,
- Indicator R2.1: Number of natural resource use plans developed with the local population under implementation,
- Indicator R2.2: Number of people directly supported by the project who benefit from the sustainable use of natural resources,
- Indicator R3.1: Number of exchange events organized by MAR Fund of which the results were published,
- Indicator R3.2: Number of joint initiatives between CMPAs implemented within the framework of the Project.
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park (PNAC in Spanish) and La Porción Norte y la Franja Costera Oriental, Terrestres y Marinas de la Isla de Cozumel Flora and Fauna Protection Area (APFFIC in Spanish), National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP in Spanish); Selvas y Humedales de Cozumel State Reserve and Laguna Colombia State Ecological Park, Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas of the State of Quintana Roo (IBANQROO in Spanish)
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)
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.
Photo: Blanca Quiroa
Isla Contoy National Park (PNIC in Spanish), Caribe Mexicano Biosphere Reserve (RBCM in Spanish), National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP in Spanish)
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)
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.
Photo: Alexis García Rivero
Arrecifes de Puerto Morelos National Park (PNAPM in Spanish), National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP in Spanish)
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)
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.
Photo: María del Carmen García
Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR)
Project name: Conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.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.
Photo: TASA
Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve (SCMR)
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)
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.
Photo: Edwin Cabrera
Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR)
Project name: CAMP BLUE - Cultivating - Conservation, Advanced Diversification, Management, and Protection of Blue Economies within the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve.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.
Photo: SEA
Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge (RVSBP in Spanish)
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)
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.
Photo: Rocío Paz
Cerro San Gil Springs Reserve
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)
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.
Photo: FUNDAECO
Michael Rock Special Marine Protection Zone
Project name: Strengthening actions for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal marine resources in Guanaja.Co-manager: Bay Island Conservation Association (BICA)
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 (SIPVS in Spanish) 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.
Photo: Cristina Cáceres
Archipiélago Cayos Cochinos Marine Natural Monument
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.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.
Photo: Abraham Canaca
Barras de Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
Project name: Improvement of the ecological integrity of the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge with a focus on biological and social connectivity.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.
Photo: FUCSA
Bahía de Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge
Project name: Strengthening of local stakeholders, neighboring communities, and staff of the marine protected area Bahía de Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge, Atlántida, Honduras.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.
Photo: Mario Motiño
MAR Fund implements measures and actions to ensure that the Project is executed in accordance with the KfW Sustainability Guidelines. To this end, it complies with the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCOP).
MAR Fund has developed and implemented, since 2022, an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) https://marfund.org/en/esms/ under international standards. The purpose of the ESMS is to assess the risk of projects to avoid or minimize adverse environmental and social impacts, and to enhance positive impacts. The ESMS includes a grievance mechanism that can be found at the following link: https://marfund.org/en/esms/#grievance.
Project Progress
Participants of the initial planning workshop – first call for proposals. Photo: MAR FundFrom May 28 to 30, 2024, the initial planning workshop was held in Guatemala City for the grantees of the first call for proposals of the project
“Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III (Phase III)”. Twenty-nine people participated, including technical and administrative staff from the 12 coastal marine protected areas (CMPAs) with approved project proposals, as well as personnel from the civil society organizations (CSOs) that manage the projects in Mexico and Belize, 7 people from the project implementing unit (PIU), and the technical assistant of MAR Fund’s Environmental and Social Management System.
The grantees were trained in the use of the project operations manual (POM), the development of their triennial operations plan (TOP), the use of the online project management system (PMS) for submitting technical and financial reports, how to complete the technical and financial report templates, monitoring of the environmental and social action plan (ESAP), and the grievance mechanisms. Additionally, the workshop provided a space for grantees to get to know each other, share their projects, and identify possible synergies.
Socialization of the AMATELA project and grievance mechanism. Photo: Daniela Sansur.Following the signing of 12 grant agreements, the projects selected in the Phase III first call for proposals began implementation. Three managers of the Mexican coastal marine protected areas (CMPAs) and one co-manager from Belize also signed an agreement with the civil society organization (CSO) responsible for managing their project funds.
The 12 projects have hired their coordinators, are in the process of acquiring necessary equipment to implement activities within the protected areas, and have made progress in developing or refining procedures to mitigate the identified environmental and social risks. To learn more about these projects, visit: CMPAs supported in the first call.
Reforestation with red mangrove and sapodilla in Barras de Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Daniela Sansur.During the second semester of 2024, the Focal Points conducted their first visits to eight projects from the first call for proposals, with the participation of the CMPA directors, project coordinators, and, where applicable, staff from the civil society organizations (CSOs) that manage project funds. During the visits, the Project Operational Manual (POM) was reviewed, along with progress on the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), and questions were answered regarding the preparation of the Triennial Operational Plan (TOP) and the annual report. In addition, questions were clarified regarding the use of the online Project Management System (PMS) administrative tool for recording income and expenses, and regarding the general guidelines for project implementation.
In April 2025, the Focal Points visited eight CMPAs to monitor project progress, review inventories, follow up on the implementation of the ESAP, and address any questions related to project implementation. During the visits, they accompanied the beneficiaries in various field activities. Some of the highlights included:
In Mexico: The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP, in Spanish), the Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas Institute of the State of Quintana Roo (IBANQROO, in Spanish), and the Attorney General’s Office for Environmental Protection (PPA, in Spanish) met with the Kanan Ka’ak community guardian group to coordinate wildlife monitoring, control and surveillance sites and activities in Cozumel’s federal protected areas. The work sites were defined, primarily within the Isla Cozumel Flora and Fauna Protection Area, and it was agreed that the activities will be carried out from June to November with support from CONANP subsidy programs. This group also participates in activities within the Selvas y Humedales de Cozumel State Reserve with support from the PPA. The data collected will feed into Cozumel Island’s information integration system.
In Guatemala: The Fundación para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservación (FUNDAECO) conducted an exploratory visit to potential sites that may be proposed as fish replenishment zones in Ensenada San Carlos. The visit spanned the Cacao, San Agustín, and San Carlos rivers, where the bio-barriers are expected to be installed. The area between Ensenada Verde and Casa de la Bahía was also visited to understand the connectivity of the coastal ecosystem and its tourism viability for the sustainability of the Cerro San Gil CMPA.
In Honduras: The Cuero y Salado Foundation (FUCSA, in Spanish) carried out a reforestation campaign with red mangrove (102 plants) and zapotón (121 plants) in the areas known as “El Sitio” and “La Confluencia entre El Espejo and El Olingo,” with support from the Salado Barra community. The association Amigos de los Arrecifes de Tela (AMATELA, in Spanish) held two meetings to present their project and the grievance mechanism. In the community of La Ensenada, seven people participated, and the grievances mailbox was placed in the Health Center. In the community of San Juan, fourteen people participated, and the mailbox was placed in the women’s community center. Both communities agreed to participate in the consultation processes for the development of the Public Use Plan of the Bahía de Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge.
These activities strengthen collaboration between local and institutional stakeholders and represent progress in the implementation of projects in each CMPA.
In January 2024, RedLAC began implementing the project “Strengthening RedLAC through a Coastal-Marine Learning Community” and made progress in its legal registration process in the United States as a nonprofit organization under the 501(c)(3) category. This will allow RedLAC to access international funding and establish itself as a stakeholder in environmental conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean. RedLAC also approved its new bylaws, updated its 2024–2030 institutional strategic plan, and its business plan. On October 9, during the 26th RedLAC Congress held in Saint Lucia, the Coastal-Marine Learning Community was officially launched. At the event, RedLAC environmental member funds reaffirmed their commitment to the protection and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems. Learn more here.
The Coastal-Marine Learning Community is led by a consortium made up of Conservation Strategy Fund, Conservation Finance Alliance, and Zamia Media. From November 2024 to May 2025, seven training sessions were held, focusing on the following topics:
- Introduction to marine finance solutions
- Restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems
- Enhancing the resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems to climate change
- Sustainable and small-scale fisheries management
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance
- Invasive species
The community has secured the commitment of 11 environmental funds — three regional and eight from Belize, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Saint Lucia — to strengthen coordination, share knowledge, and develop innovative strategies to address key challenges such as the creation and management of marine protected areas, ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods.
With matching funds provided by MAR Fund, the update of the MARFin financial tool to its version 4 (MARFin V4) was completed in October 2024. This web-based application allows users to model and project the protected areas financial resources by using income and expenses data to identify financial gaps and future needs.
In September 2024, the first virtual training session on the use of MARFin V4 was held for directors and/or administrative staff of CMPAs benefited from the first call of Phase III and/or are among the 18 priority CMPAs of the MAR+Invest initiative. A total of 19 participants were trained in using the tool, with the objective of generating financial projections based on various assumptions and variables.
Later, in November, a second virtual training session was held with support from Phase III. This session included 15 representatives from seven CMPAs of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR). Of all the participants across both trainings, 21 individuals belong to nine CMPAs supported by Phase III.
Thanks to an invitation from the KfW, MAR Fund participated in two virtual events focused on exchanging experiences and best practices with regional projects supported by the German Cooperation through KfW.
The first event took place in May 2024, where MAR Fund shared information with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) about the project “Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III” (Phase III). This included the project timeline, lessons learned during the development of technical documents, the start of implementation, and the launch of the first call for project proposals.
The second event was held in February 2025 and brought together implementers of the KfW-supported projects. On this occasion, MAR Fund gave a brief presentation on Phase III and shared its experience in implementing environmental and social safeguards in the projects approved under the first call of Phase III.