‘‘Expanding blue economy benefits and the conservation of critical biodiversity and ecosystem services by managing surf ecosystems” is a GEF-sponsored, IW project that supports this vision. The project is implemented by GEF-UNIDO and executed by Conservation International in alliance with Save The Waves Coalition and the Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental and the collaboration of government and communities of Costa Rica, Panama and Peru. Although only recently initiated, the project aims to make big waves. In alignment with the project's ambitions, in December 2024, Peru took a significant step in marine and coastal conservation by securing the legal protection of four additional surf breaks. These newly protected areas - El Golf, Malpaso, Providencia, and Puémape - raise the total number of surf breaks safeguarded under Peru’s groundbreaking Ley de Rompientes (Law of the Breaks) to 47.

A Global Model for Surf Ecosystem Conservation 

Peru is the only country in the world with a specific legal mechanism to protect surf breaks through national legislation, known as the Ley de Rompientes, enacted in 2013. The law defines surf breaks as part of Peru’s natural heritage and establishes that all surf breaks in the country are state property. The Peruvian Society for Environmental Law has been a key player in designing and implementing the legal framework for protecting surf breaks, through its grassroots and innovative campaign Hazla por tu Ola (Act for Your Wave). The campaign, led by local leaders, crowdsources funds to cover the costs of bathymetric studies, follows up on administrative processes, and raises awareness about the importance of wave protection, its connection to marine conservation, and the encouragement of community-based activism.

Protecting Waves, Preserving Ecosystems

The four new protected surf breaks span approximately 6,222 square meters and are renowned for their pristine conditions, consistent waves that attract surfers worldwide, as well as their natural beauty and cultural heritage. These areas are more than just recreational hotspots; they are vital components of broader marine conservation strategies. By protecting these ecosystems, Peru not only preserves its natural heritage but also strengthens its blue economy by creating economic opportunities for local communities and supporting sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism.

Looking Ahead

This milestone is a testament to the effectiveness of innovative legal frameworks and community engagement in marine conservation. However, challenges remain. With the addition of these four new surf breaks, Peru now has 47 legally protected surf breaks and is progressing toward its goal of protecting 100 surf breaks by 2030, including seven as part of the GEW-IW-supported project.

About the project  

The project aims to demonstrate the critical role that effective management of the marine and coastal ecosystems surrounding surf breaks can play in protecting biodiversity and ecosystem function, as well as in generating blue economy benefits that will motivate further ecosystem conservation. The project will collaborate with governments and communities to develop the tools and capacity needed to effectively manage surf ecosystems, support blue economy activities linked to surf ecosystem management, and share best-practice guidelines and effective approaches for the protection and management of these ecosystems while building a blue economy. The project is being implemented in Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru. 

For more information about the project, please contact Christian Lavoie: clavoie@conservation.org    

Words by Carolina Butrich. Photo cover by Evelyn Céspedes on Unsplash.