Mesoamerican
Reef
Protecting Nature, Communities and Economies
The Mesoamerican Reef spans 625 miles from the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, through Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. It is the
largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere and one of the
most diverse ecosystems on Earth. This region is home to 500 fish species, 70 coral species, migratory mammals and the largest aggregation
of whale sharks in the world.
Although fishing and tourism bring substantial revenues, they are also
the region’s greatest challenge. Unsustainable fishing practices and
tourism-driven development coupled with inadequate policies across
the four countries have degraded the reef and other coastal habitats,
putting at risk the livelihoods and well-being of the 2 million people
that depend on these ecosystems for subsistence and coastal protection.
Since 1990, The Nature Conservancy has partnered with governments,
conservation organizations, the private sector, academia, and communities to conserve the Mesoamerican Reef by identifying the most
effective approaches to restore and protect key habitats, manage fisheries and build the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities.
Our
Approach
Protect
coastal ecosystems that sustain fisheries and
safeguard communities and infrastructure by
pioneering innovative strategies that can be
taken to scale.
Transform
practices, policies and incentives to enhance
the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems.
Inspire
those who drive ocean and coastal development
to better manage fisheries, as well as value and
invest in natural infrastructure.
Fundraising
Target
by 2020
$10
million
Belize
Mexico
Guatemala
Honduras
© Leonardo González
Our
Work
After 25 years of conservation action in the region, The Nature Conservancy is respected as an effective
partner rooted in sound science and adept at bringing people of differing views and interests together to
find and implement solutions. We are targeting solutions that we can advance rapidly through
public-private cooperation and that leverage our expertise.
Managing
Fisheries Sustainably
Investing in Natural
Infrastructure
Most fisheries in the Mesoamerican Reef are either marginally sustainable or in decline. The Conservancy is partnering
with fishing communities and cooperatives, as well as government agencies to reverse the decline in fishstocks by
demonstrating sustainable practices, establishing fish
replenishment zones, improving the fisheries management
framework, diversifying markets and creating market-based
incentives. We achieve this by establishing seafood traceability for key species, such as conch and lobster, and creating access to premium markets for value added products. At
the same time, we are empowering communities and providing income diversification through sustainable aquaculture.
The Mesoamerican Reef is located directly on the pathway
of tropical storms and hurricanes. Governments, private
sector and communities tend to invest in expensive gray
infrastructure, such as seawalls and levees, rather than protect or restore coastal habitats that provide important
coastal protection to people, infrastructure and livelihoods.
Unfortunately, unsustainable coastal development is
removing and degrading these natural systems. We are
working to make the economic case with the private sector,
government and communities to include the use of natural
systems as a viable alternative for coastal protection and
change the way they invest in infrastructure.
While there is still time and still a chance to rebuild fish stocks and prevent further habitat loss, it is critical to act to ensure that
the region’s bounty will be sustained. Working with local communities, conservation partners and the government, we can create
solutions that work not only in the Mesoamerican Reef, but can be replicated in the rest of the Caribbean, and around the world.
The Nature Conservancy
Mexico and Northern Central America
Ricardo Palmerín 110, Col. Guadalupe Inn
Mexico City, C.P. 01020
Mexico
+52 (55) 5661-1153
www.mundotnc.org
Follow us @mundotnc
© The Nature Conservancy (Erika Nortemann)