Mexico and Northern Central America Oceans: Charting a Sustainable Course for People and Nature
The Nature Conservancy’s oceans program in Mexico and Northern Central America works to sustain marine and coastal ecosystems that support fisheries, livelihoods, and coastal protection. Focusing on the Gulf of California and the Mesoamerican Reef, the initiative advances sustainable fisheries, ocean management, and nature-based solutions.
Subject Tags
- Fisheries
- Nature-based solutions
- Climate resilience
Summary
Oceans in Mexico and Northern Central America provide food, jobs, coastal protection, and economic value, yet face mounting threats from overfishing, unsustainable tourism, coastal development, and climate change. The Nature Conservancy’s oceans program in the region seeks to balance conservation with economic and social needs to ensure long-term ocean health and community well-being.
The initiative focuses on two globally significant seascapes: the Gulf of California and the Mesoamerican Reef. Through partnerships with governments, communities, industry, and conservation organizations, the program advances sustainable fisheries management, marine conservation, and climate resilience. By protecting and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems, the work helps reduce vulnerability of people, livelihoods, and infrastructure while sustaining fisheries productivity.
This program supports large-scale, science-based solutions that integrate ocean management, conservation finance, and natural infrastructure to place ocean development in Mexico and Northern Central America on a sustainable trajectory.