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Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III​

Photo: Belize Audubon Society

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Photo: Fundación Albatros

The Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR) is the largest transboundary coral reef, shared among Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, and the largest in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an ecoregion of biological, economic, social, and cultural importance.

The MAR has 67 coastal and marine protected areas (CMPAs) distributed as follows:

Mexico
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Belize
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Guatemala
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Honduras
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Effectively managed CMPAs are one of the best tools for conserving natural resources and ecological processes and reducing threats, enabling development opportunities for local communities.

Approximately 72% of the region’s reefs and just over half of the mangrove surface area are within protected areas. CMPAs supply water, provide 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.

Photo: Edwin Cabrera

With the aim of better directing 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) produced 14 additional protected areas distributed in the same way.

Within the framework of the Saving Our Protected Areas program, MAR Fund implemented during the period 2012–2020 the Project “Conservation of Marine Resources in Central America” Phases I and II, developed in nine priority CMPAs, with financial support from German Development Cooperation through KfW. 

German Development Cooperation has provided new financial support to develop the Project “Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III” (Phase III), which aims to build on the experiences of Phases I and II over a period of 5 years.

Phase III is developed through two calls for proposals directed at the administrators and co-administrators of MAR CMPAs:

First Call for Proposals

Julio 2023

 15 CMPAs supported through 12 projects.

Second Call for Proposals

Agosto 2024

16 CMPAs supported through 8 projects.

Objective

The objective of Phase III is the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in and among the selected marine-coastal protected areas of the Mesoamerican Reef System.

Its achievement is measured through three indicators:

  • Indicator O.1: Area in hectares with improved conservation1
  • Indicator O.2: Area of relevant ecosystems with more sustainable use2
  • Indicator O.3: Number of initiatives supporting the adaptation of vulnerable populations to climate change

1 The criterion for more effective conservation is the application of measures to improve biodiversity monitoring, control and surveillance measures, or ecosystem restoration measures. 2 The relevant MRS ecosystems include coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds.

Expected Results

Through the implementation of Phase III, three results are expected to be achieved:

  • Result 1: MCPAs have improved conditions for the conservation of their natural resources
  • Result 2: Measures implemented for the sustainable use of MCPA natural resources with the participation of local communities
  • Result 3: Strengthened cooperation among key actors for MRS biodiversity conservation

Project Indicators

The achievement of these results is measured through seven indicators:

  • Indicator R1.1: Number of MCPAs implementing best conservation practices
  • Indicator R1.2: Number of people participating in MCPA management with improved capacities
  • Indicator R1.3: Number of selected MCPAs with management effectiveness of at least 75%
  • Indicator R2.1: Number of natural resource use plans developed with local communities 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 whose results were published
  • Indicator R3.2: Number of joint MCPA initiatives implemented within the framework of the Project

Indicators

With the implementation of 20 projects in 31 MCPAs, the following Phase III indicator results have been achieved:

+ 0

Area in hectares with improved conservation

0

MCPAs implementing best conservation practices

0

Personas apoyadas con el uso sostenible de los recursos naturales

0

Iniciativas conjuntas
entre APMC

Datos actualizados a Diciembre 2025

Coastal and Marine Protected Areas

Mapa de proyectos - MAR Fund

Mexico

Cozumel Reefs National Park 
Flora and Fauna Protection Area — northern portion and eastern coastal strip, terrestrial and marine, of Cozumel Island;
Cozumel Jungles and Wetlands State Reserve y
Laguna Colombia State Ecological Park

factsheet

Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park

factsheet

Isla Contoy National Park and
Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve

factsheet

Laguna Manatí Flora and Fauna State Refuge,
Chacmochuch Lagoon System Flora and Fauna State Refuge and
Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve

factsheet

Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park, Arrecifes de Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve

factsheet

Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve
and Ecological Conservation Zone Xcacel–Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary

factsheet

Belize

Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Chetumal Bay Manatee Sanctuary State Reserve 

factsheet

Reserva Marina Sapodilla Cayes

factsheet

Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Blue Hole Natural Monument, and Fish Aggregation Sites: Sandbore, Northern Two Caye, Half Moon Caye Wall, and South Point

factsheet

Reserva Marina Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes

factsheet

Reserva Marina Turneffe Atoll

factsheet

Guatemala

Cerro San Gil Spring Reserve

factsheet

Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge

factsheet

Río Dulce National Park and
Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge

factsheet

Río Sarstún Multiple Use Area,
Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge and Caiman Crown No-Take Zone

factsheet

Honduras

Michael Rock Special Marine Protection Zone

factsheet

Cayos Cochinos Archipelago Marine Natural Monument

factsheet

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge

factsheet

Bahía de Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge

factsheet

Blanca Janeth Kawas Fernández National Park and Punta Izopo National Park

factsheet

Photos courtesy of the managing and co-managing organizations. Each information sheet includes the specific credits of its authors.

Management Documents

Library

Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS)

MAR Fund implements measures and actions to ensure the Project is executed in compliance with KfW Sustainability Guidelines. MAR Fund developed and has implemented, since 2022, an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS)  under international standards. The purpose of the ESMS is to assess project risks to avoid or minimize adverse environmental and social impacts and to enhance positive impacts. The ESMS includes a complaints and grievances mechanism.

Grievance Mechanism

Project progress:

Shared learning to improve livelihoods in Bocas del Polochic

Photo: FDN
In the area of influence of the Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge in Izabal, Guatemala, with the coordination of Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza (FDN) and the support of Vivamos Mejor and the Authority for the Sustainable Management of Lake Atitlán and its Surroundings (AMSCLAE), 24 artisanal fishers, 8 women and 16 men, promoted the sustainable management of natural resources and the generation of economic alternatives through an exchange of experiences in Sololá. Members of the Bocas del Polochic Artisanal Fishers Association and the Guaritas community learned about successful practices in gallery forest restoration, recovery of aquatic ecosystems, and productive options with adaptation potential in their territories, such as the handling and breeding of poeciliids.

This process expanded access to technical knowledge and replicable models, improving opportunities to diversify income and reduce pressure on ecosystems. In addition, the exchange strengthened links among organizations and communities, enhancing territorial coordination and the sharing of lessons learned. Overall, these actions reinforce local governance and contribute to communities with greater adaptive capacities, with better conditions for conservation and sustainable development.

A step toward more organized fisheries in Guanaja

Photo: Karla Díaz
On May 23 and 24, in Guanaja, Honduras, the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA), through the Phase III project and the LifeWeb project, promoted community participation and the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources by holding the "Capture the Excitement" fishing tournament. This event facilitated fishermen's involvement in organizational processes and compliance with national fisheries regulations.

The activity brought together more than 100 participants and integrated artisanal fishermen and local communities. As a result, progress was made in formalizing artisanal fishing through the issuance of 148 licenses, benefiting 122 men and 26 women, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DIGEPESCA). This process contributes to regulating fishing activity and encouraging the responsible use of fishery resources. Furthermore, the distribution of basic equipment improved conditions for fishing practices.

Both the tournament and the licensing process are part of the “Fishing for Life” campaign. Together, these actions strengthen local governance, promote the sustainable use of resources, and contribute to the conservation of ecosystems in the region.

Foundations for Fisheries Sustainability in Barras de Cuero y Salado

Photo: René Moncada
During May, in the Barras de Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge in Honduras, FUCSA promoted the development of capacities of 25 local stakeholders, including fishers, authorities, and technical staff, through a workshop focused on reef fish spawning aggregations and fisheries recovery zones. The activity expanded understanding of marine habitats (seagrasses and coral reefs)—key ecosystems for fisheries sustainability—through the sharing of progress on their validation and delimitation.

As a result, technical progress was consolidated in marine habitats, the identification of fish aggregation zones, and the ecological characterization of the area. These contributions improve the information base for decision-making and the sustainable management of fisheries. In addition, the exchange among communities, authorities, and technical organizations promoted greater local participation in management processes and contributed to the conservation of marine-coastal ecosystems, as well as to more effective governance in the territory, strengthening processes for participatory management that supports the sustainability of fisheries and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Monitoring coastal dunes for evidence-based management

Photo: CONANP
On April 24, 2026, in the Isla Contoy National Park and the northern zone of ​​the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve, 13 professionals from operational and technical staff participated in a practical training on coastal dune monitoring to strengthen the identification, recording, and tracking of the conditions of these ecosystems, which are essential for shoreline protection and the conservation of marine and coastal resources.

Through methodologies to assess variables such as vegetation, soil, physicochemical conditions of the water, and microtopography, the technical staff now have more robust tools to generate timely and high-quality environmental information. This directly contributes to improving the monitoring of ecosystem changes and to reinforcing evidence-based decision-making for more effective management of protected areas.

Exchange in Belize - Conservation Without Borders: Management Strategies in the Gulf of Honduras

Photo: TIDE
From December 15 to 18, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) held a knowledge exchange with conservation partners from Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. The activity included 9 representatives from the Caribbean Fishermen's Network of Guatemala, CONAP, PROLANSATE, FUCSA, CCO, SEA, and TIDE.

The exchange aimed to share experiences on the surveillance, education, and outreach strategies that TIDE and SEA implement to strengthen effective marine protected area management. As part of the agenda, field visits were made to Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve and Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, giving participants firsthand knowledge of on-site management actions. The activity also provided an opportunity to advance coordination and guidelines for the Gulf of Honduras Cup, which in 2026 will involve four communities in each country, promoting regional participation and commitment to marine conservation.

Exchange: SEA and SACD share experiences to strengthen conservation in Belize

Photo: SEA
On September 8 and 9, Southern Environmental Association (SEA) visited Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD), co-administrators of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, to carry out an exchange of experiences and knowledge. The activity included 13 participants (10 from SEA and 3 from SACD).

The activity fostered a learning environment in which SACD shared information about its conservation efforts for ecosystem protection, while promoting collaboration and shared responsibility among communities. The dialogue focused on the governance and administration structure of the protected area, community conservation strategies, stakeholder engagement, and education, with the goal of gathering knowledge for the future standardization of SEA's monitoring protocols, in order to improve the management effectiveness of Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve.

Knowledge Exchange between Punta Allen and Cayos Cochinos: communities that inspire conservation

Photo: Maleny Quiroz
From November 24 to 30, 2025, a knowledge exchange took place in Punta Allen, Quintana Roo, with 14 participants from Community and Biodiversity (COBI) and the Punta Allen fishermen's cooperative of Mexico; the Cayos Cochinos Foundation (FCC) and community members from the areas of influence of the Cayos Cochinos Archipelago Marine Natural Monument in Honduras. The objective was to strengthen knowledge about the protection of fish spawning aggregations and to develop community leadership capacities.

During the visit, the Punta Allen fishermen's cooperative shared with representatives of communities in the Cayos Cochinos area of influence their experiences implementing alternative livelihoods to fishing. Community members from Cayos Cochinos also participated in a leadership training process facilitated by Punta Allen fishermen. Additionally, two members of the FCC technical team received training in the installation and use of hydrophones, as well as in the analysis of collected data, thereby strengthening technical monitoring capacities.

Exchange: FUNDAECO and CONAP: a Technical Working Group for the Guatemalan Caribbean

Photo: Fundaeco
On November 20 and 21, 2025, the first experience exchange took place between staff of the Río Sarstún Multiple Use Area and the Cerro San Gil Spring Protection Reserve (co-administered by the Foundation for Eco-Development and Conservation, FUNDAECO), and Río Dulce National Park (administered by the National Council of Protected Areas, CONAP).

As a result of this meeting, a Bimonthly Technical Working Group was formally established. This space aims to facilitate the exchange of lessons learned within the framework of the project "Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America, Phase III", an initiative in which all three institutions actively participate as beneficiaries.

Under a rotating host model, the working group will meet every two months, visiting one of the participating protected areas. The work agenda will focus on optimizing control and surveillance methodologies, defining joint agreements with communities or municipalities, and strategic follow-up on Phase III implementation activities.

Exchange: Mexico - Protected areas of Mexico and Belize strengthen monitoring and management in the MAR

Photo: MAR Fund
On September 24 and 25, an experience exchange on surveillance and management of marine-coastal protected areas (MCPAs) took place between Mexico and Belize, in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. It was attended by 61 people from five MCPAs in Mexico, as well as representatives of the Belize Fisheries Department and Forestry Department, and three community groups from Mexico.

The exchange, organized by the projects of Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, Isla Contoy National Park, and the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve, under Mexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, identified as priority topics: the use of technology for surveillance, the review of the legal framework, and models for community participation.

Exchange of experiences - Innovative tools for control and monitoring in the APMC of the MAR

Photo: MAR Fund
On November 13, 2025, MAR Fund held a side event at the 2025 National Congress on Biological Diversity and Protected Areas, focused on exchanging experiences on innovative tools for control and surveillance in marine-coastal protected areas of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MRS). The activity, part of the Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III project funded by German Development Cooperation through KfW, brought together 25 representatives from 20 MCPAs in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

This side event helped to raise the profile and consolidate the collaborative work carried out by various marine-coastal protected area partners, conserving, protecting, and managing the strategic and financial resources that support the management of national protected area systems and local livelihoods. Presentations highlighted the importance of partnerships, mutual trust, and inter-actor coordination to address common challenges.

Full story

Initial workshop of the 2nd call

Photo: MAR Fund
From July 1 to 3, 2025, the Kick-off Workshop for projects selected under the second call for proposals of the project «Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III (Phase III)» was held in Guatemala City — an initiative funded by German Development Cooperation through KfW, within the framework of MAR Fund's Saving Our Protected Areas program.

Over three days, 31 technical and administrative representatives from 16 marine-coastal protected areas in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras met to strengthen capacities, exchange experiences, and align strategies for the effective and coordinated implementation of their projects. Civil society organizations that will support the execution of these projects also participated.

Full story

Institutional Visit to the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD)

Photo: CCAD
Members of MAR Fund's Board of Directors, its Executive Director, and the local KfW representative for El Salvador, Ms. Liliana Monteiro, paid an institutional visit to Dr. Marisol Castillo, Executive Secretary of the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD), and her team in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity to discuss the Mesoamerican Reef and the initiatives MAR Fund promotes for its conservation and sustainable use.

We reaffirmed the key role of CCAD as a regional coordination platform and the importance of inter-institutional work to advance toward integrated management of the MRS marine-coastal resources.

Original social media post

Exchanges of experiences with regional projects supported by KfW

Photo: Reggie Painting
Thanks to KfW's invitation, MAR Fund participated in two virtual events for exchanging experiences and best practices with regional projects supported by German Development Cooperation through KfW.

The first event was held in May 2024, where MAR Fund shared with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) information about the project "Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III" (Phase III), including the timeline, lessons learned during the preparation of technical documents, the start of implementation, and the launch of the first call for projects.

The second event was held in February 2025 and brought together the implementers of KfW-supported projects. On this occasion, MAR Fund gave a brief presentation on Phase III and shared its experience implementing environmental and social safeguards in the projects approved under the first Phase III call.

Training on the use of MARFin V4

In October 2024, the update of the MARFin financial tool to version 4 (MARFin V4) was completed, thanks to co-financing funds provided by MAR Fund. This web platform makes it possible to model and project the financial resources of protected areas, using income and expenditure data to identify financial gaps and future needs. In September 2024, the first virtual training on MARFin V4 was held, aimed at directors and administrative staff of the MCPAs that participated in the first Phase III call for proposals and the 18 priority MCPAs of the MAR+Invest initiative. A total of 19 participants received training in the use of the tool, focusing on generating financial projections under various assumptions and variables. In November 2024, a second virtual training was held with the participation of 15 representatives from seven MCPAs of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MRS). In total, 21 people from nine MCPAs supported by Phase III participated in both training sessions.

Go to MAR Fin v4

Support for the Latin America and the Caribbean Environmental Funds Network (RedLAC)

Photo: RedLAC
In January 2024, RedLAC began implementing the project "Strengthening RedLAC through a Coastal-Marine Learning Community" and advanced its legal registration in the U.S. as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which will facilitate access to international financing and its role in environmental conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean. On October 9, during the 26th RedLAC Congress in Saint Lucia, the Coastal-Marine Learning Community was launched, where environmental funds reaffirmed their commitment to the conservation of coastal-marine ecosystems. This community, led by Conservation Strategy Fund, Conservation Finance Alliance, and Zamia Media, held seven training sessions between November 2024 and May 2025, covering topics such as marine financing, coastal ecosystem restoration, climate change resilience, sustainable fisheries management, livelihoods, and invasive species monitoring. The commitment of 11 environmental funds from various countries (Belize, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Saint Lucia) was achieved to strengthen coordination and develop innovative strategies in marine protected area management, ecosystem restoration, and climate change adaptation.

UEP monitoring visits in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras

Photo: María José Hernández
In Mexico: CONANP, IBANQROO, and PPA met with the Kanan Ka’ak community guardians group to coordinate wildlife monitoring activities in Cozumel. Work sites were defined in the Cozumel Island Flora and Fauna Protection Area and also in the Cozumel Jungles and Wetlands State Reserve. The collected data will feed into the Cozumel Island information system.

In Guatemala: FUNDAECO conducted an exploratory visit to potential fisheries recovery zones in San Carlos Cove and toured several rivers where bio-barriers will be installed. They also assessed ecosystem connectivity and its tourism potential in the Cerro San Gil Protected Area.

In Honduras: FUCSA reforested specific areas with red mangrove and sapote trees with support from the Salado Barra community. AMATELA held community meetings in La Ensenada and San Juan about its project and the complaints and grievances mechanism, including the placement of suggestion boxes in community and health centers.

Monitoring of projects from the first call

Photo: Daniela Sansur
During the second half of 2024, the Focal Points conducted the first visit to eight projects from the first call for proposals, attended by MCPA directors, project coordinators, and, where applicable, staff from the CSOs managing the project funds. During the visits, the Project Operations Manual (POM), progress on the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), and doubts about the preparation of the Three-Year Operational Plan (TOP) and the annual report were reviewed.

In addition, questions were clarified about the use of the online project management system (PMS) administrative tool for recording income and expenditure, and about the general project execution guidelines. In April 2025, the Focal Points visited eight MCPAs to monitor project progress, review inventories, follow up on ESAP implementation, and resolve questions related to project implementation. During the visits, they accompanied beneficiaries in various field activities.

Projects approved from the first call

Photo: Daniela Sansur
Following the signing of 12 financial allocation agreements, the execution of projects selected under the first Phase III call for proposals began. Three MCPA administrators from Mexico and one co-administrator from Belize also signed an agreement with the CSO responsible for managing their project funds. All 12 projects now have coordinators in place, are in the process of acquiring equipment needed to implement activities in the protected areas, and have made progress in building or refining procedures to mitigate identified environmental and social risks. To learn about these projects, visit: MCPAs supported in the 1st call.

Initial workshop of the 1st call

Photo: MAR Fund
From May 28 to 30, 2024, the initial planning workshop for beneficiaries of the first call for proposals of the Project "Protection of Maritime Resources in Central America III (Phase III)" was held in Guatemala City. It included 29 participants: technical and administrative staff from the 12 marine-coastal protected areas (MCPAs) with approved project proposals and staff from civil society organizations (CSOs) managing the projects in Mexico and Belize, 7 people from the project executing unit (PEU), and the technical assistant for MAR Fund's Environmental and Social Management System.

Beneficiaries were trained in the use of the Project Operations Manual (POM), the preparation of their Three-Year Operational Plan (TOP), the use of the online project management system (PMS) for submitting technical and financial reports, how to complete technical and financial report formats, monitoring of the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), and grievance and complaints systems. It also provided a space for beneficiaries to get to know each other, share their projects, and identify potential synergies.

News

For more information:

Ximena Flamenco
Project Coordinator
xflamenco@marfund.org

Taller inicial de la 2ª. convocatoria

Del 1 al 3 de julio de 2025, se llevó a cabo en Ciudad de Guatemala el Taller Inicial para los proyectos seleccionados en la segunda convocatoria del proyecto «Protección de los Recursos Marítimos en América Central III (Fase III)”, una iniciativa financiada por la Cooperación Alemana a través del KfW, en el marco del programa Salvando Nuestras Áreas Protegidas de MAR Fund.

Durante tres días, 31 representantes técnicos y administrativos de 16 áreas protegidas marino costeras de México, Belice, Guatemala y Honduras se reunieron para fortalecer capacidades, intercambiar experiencias y alinear estrategias para una implementación efectiva y coordinada de sus proyectos.

También participaron organizaciones de sociedad civil que acompañarán la ejecución de estos proyectos.

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