A region and a shared future: towards the sustainable management of the PACA LME
The Pacific Central American Coastal Large Marine Ecosystem (PACA LME) is not just 1.9 million square kilometers of ocean; it is the blue heart of a region that connects the people of nine countries through shared waters, invaluable biodiversity, and coastal communities. In 2024, an unprecedented collaboration began in this region. The development of national diagnostics of the marine and coastal environment in the six countries participating in the Sustainable Pacific project marked an essential step toward regional integration. This integration is facilitated through the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA), a key tool for addressing shared challenges in GEF’s international waters projects.
Each national diagnostic provides a window into local realities, ranging from the importance of mangroves to local economies, to the presence of magnificent migratory species such as humpback whales, mahi-mahi, and tuna. These national analyses revealed a mosaic of shared challenges: unsustainable fishing, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
“These findings are of great importance to us, as they help meet national goals and international commitments. Undoubtedly, they favor the management and implementation of regulations for the conservation of natural resources and the sustainable use of biodiversity,”
highlighted Francisco Aceituno from the Directorate of Biodiversity, Secretariat of Energy, Natural Resources, Environment, and Mines, Honduras.
Through workshops and dialogues with men and women in the fishing sector, community leaders, academics, and environmental experts, the national diagnostics facilitated ample collaboration. In 2024, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Ecuador validated these diagnostics, and in January 2025, Costa Rica and Mexico completed this step in the process. As a result, all six national diagnostics have been completed, paving the way for the next phase. In April 2025, a regional workshop will be held to present the results and move forward with integrating the TDA, ensuring that shared challenges and opportunities are addressed collectively.
“This process has been an enriching experience for the fishing sector, showing active participation and great interest. Furthermore, the fundamental role of women in this field has been highlighted. My main responsibility has been coordinating between the fishing sector and institutions, ensuring that everyone can fully participate,”
commented Estefanía Rivera, Directorate of Fishing and Aquaculture Normativity in Guatemala.
With the TDA as a compass, Sustainable Pacific is ready to embark on a transformative journey in 2025. The true highlight of the process will emerge through the Strategic Action Program (SAP), a roadmap that will turn knowledge into action. More than a document, the SAP will serve as the map connecting local aspirations with regional goals. Based on principles such as ecosystem-based management and inclusive participation, the SAP will define concrete solutions to promote sustainable economies, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen regional governance.
The future of the ocean depends on what we do today. Learn more about the project at pacificosostenible.org.
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About the project
Funded by the GEF, implemented by UNDP, and executed by WWF, the Sustainable Pacific project is a regional initiative that seeks to strengthen the management of the Pacific Central American Coastal Large Marine Ecosystem (PACA) and unite the efforts and commitments of participating countries — Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and key actors to achieve a resilient and sustainable blue economy.
For more information about the project, please contact Karla Pérez (kperez@wwfca.org) or visit the dedicated page on iwlearn.net and the project website.
Words by Karla Pérez. Cover photo: naturepl.com/Visuals Unlimited/ WWF – Pacific Tuna.
