Technical Supervisory Committee
The Reef Rescue Initiative, whose implementation started in 2017, is overseen by a Technical Supervisory Committee formed by a representative of the national authorities of environment, appointed by its ministries. The TSC includes:
- National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) – Mexico
- Fisheries Department – Belize
- Secretariat of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), through the General Directorate of Biodiversity and Environment (DiBio-SERNA) – Honduras
- National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) – Guatemala
- Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) – Guatemala
- The Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD) and MAR Fund, through its Executive Director, are also members of the Technical Oversight Committee.
Initiative Coordination Unit
Claudia Ruiz
Coodinator
Reef Rescue Initiative
Claudia has more than 25 years of experience working in the conservation of coastal marine resources. She has a Bachelor’s Science degree in Natural Resources Management and Wild Life from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a Master’s Science degree in Earth and Environmental Resources Management from the University of South Carolina, EE.UU. She also has a Licentiate in Aquaculture from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. Claudia has worked for organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, OSPESCA, the National Council of Protected Areas in Guatemala, and the Central American Bank of Economic Integration, among others. She joined MAR Fund in 2017, where she specialized as a project coordinator, achieving significant results in the conservation and protection of the coastal marine resources of the Mesoamerican Reef Region.
Claudia Alejandra Ocaña
Administrative Assistant
Reef Rescue Initiative
Bilingual executive assistant with Business Administration studies, with more than 15 years of experience supporting high-level executives in different areas such as real estate, construction, and education. Her experience as event coordinator for local and international activities, goal achievement monitoring, and project management have increased her motivation to pursue excellence. Claudia joined MAR Fund in June 2021, as Financial and Administrative Assistant for RRI, where she provides support in budget administration, assists in logistics and accounting; manages the expenses control, and assists in building budget reports. She manages the execution of the assigned project funds, preparation of financial reports to the donor, and monitoring of administrative processes.
Andre Herrera
Technical Assistant
Reef Rescue Initiative
Andre Herrera is an Environmental Engineer graduated from Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Quintana Roo. Since 2019, he’s been actively engaged in environmental activism as a member of the Caretakers of Rivers and Environment, a Belizean group committed to revitalizing river ecosystems. In 2023, Andre joined MAR Fund as the Technical Assistant for the RRI.
María José Ávila
Technical Assistant
Reef Rescue Initiative
Photo: Belize Audubon Society