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PROGRAM AREAS - Conservation of the Mesoamerican Reef
The Mesoamerican Reef Ecoregion contains the largest coral reef system
in the Atlantic Ocean. It extends more than 400 miles from the tip
of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula southward to Belize, Guatemala,
and the Bay Islands, off the Honduran coast (see map below).
This biologically rich and threatened ecoregion encompasses barrier, fringe,
patch, and atoll coral reefs, along with coastal mangroves, lagoons and seagrass
beds. Our definition of this ecoregion includes the Caribbean watersheds of those
four countries.
The Summit Foundation has been supporting conservation efforts in this ecoregion
since 1998. Our long-term goal is to ensure that the Mesoamerican
Reef thrives as a healthy, productive ecosystem capable of supporting vibrant
economies and providing abundant marine resources for generations to come.
To fulfill this long-term goal we have taken a watershed approach, focusing on
processes and conditions in the headwaters that directly affect water quality
downstream and all the way to the Reef. Accordingly, our grantmaking addresses
both land-based and marine issues that threaten the integrity and health of the
Reef.
Following a planning and consultation process in 2002, we have identified seven
grantmaking objectives. These objectives are described in the following sections
and, while they do not cover every single threat in every possible location of
the Mesoamerican Reef, they represent the issues and locations where we may have
the best chances for impact.
Adapted from Kramer and Kramer (2002)
Used with permission from World Wildlife
Fund
Six-year Objectives (2003 – 2008)
We have identified four objectives to be achieved during the next six years.
These objectives were selected using the following criteria: (i) they address
key threats or bottlenecks in the ecoregion; (ii) they tackle issues that appear
to be under-funded and/or offer unique and timely opportunities for success;
(iii) they offer opportunities for highly leveraged action and collaboration;
and (iv) they build on The Summit Foundation’s past grantmaking experience
in the ecoregion.
OBJECTIVE 1: Identify, prioritize,
legally protect and sustainably manage all viable fish spawning
aggregation sites in the four Mesoamerican Reef countries.
This objective seeks to establish the first ecoregional network of protected
spawning aggregation sites in the world. These predictable locations are
critical for the survival of many species of fish that come together to spawn
and for the long-term ecological and economic sustainability of the fisheries
in the ecoregion.
OBJECTIVE 2: Secure long-term conservation
funding for the Mesoamerican Reef by establishing an endowed
financial mechanism.
This objective addresses the lack of steady, long-term conservation financing
for the Mesoamerican Reef Ecoregion through the creation of an endowed, privately
managed fund. The new financial mechanism will be designed to attract funds
from multilateral, bilateral, and private sources.
OBJECTIVE 3: Improve the management
practices of the shrimp industry in Belize.
This objective aims to foster partnerships among government agencies, producers,
investors, buyers and other stakeholders to promote the adoption of better
management practices for shrimp aquaculture in Belize. Ultimately, we seek
to demonstrate that by minimizing the environmental impacts of shrimp farming
we can help reduce its costs and increase its profits.
OBJECTIVE 4: Establish at least
one highly effective environmental law group per country poised
to address the most critical threats and glaring environmental
abuses in the Mesoamerican Reef.
This objective aims to develop a strong network of environmental law experts
capable of addressing the most significant issues affecting the Mesoamerican
Reef, including the need for better trans-boundary coordination and enforcement
of laws that protect their shared marine resources.
Twelve-year Objectives (2003 – 2014)
We have identified a second set of three objectives to be achieved
over the next 12 years. While these objectives are as important
and urgent as those in the first tier, they will require further
groundwork and a larger financial investment than Summit can provide
at this time. As additional funds become available, we may consider
making small “seed” grants to advance these objectives
and leverage other funding sources.
OBJECTIVE 5: Ensure that a critical
mass of hotel chains and cruise lines adopt eco-friendly policies
and implement improved construction and service practices in
the Mesoamerican Reef.
This objective seeks to foster innovative partnerships among NGOs, governments,
the main hotel chains and cruise lines, and their investors to promote better
management practices. A successful alliance should guarantee the health and
integrity of the Mesoamerican Reef while, at the same time, strengthen the
local economies, the government’s ability to attract foreign investment,
and the company's financial bottom line.
OBJECTIVE 6: Improve the management
practices of key agro-industries in Belize and Northern Honduras.
This objective seeks to reduce soil runoff and agro-chemical effluents from
selected agricultural commodities that directly affect the Mesoamerican Reef.
In partnership with NGOs, universities, governments and other donors, we
will identify the most damaging practices used by the export crop industry,
and will engage the companies’ top leadership to help them implement
better management practices.
OBJECTIVE 7: Improve the effectiveness
and financial viability of the marine protected areas of Mexico,
Belize and Honduras.
This objective seeks to support the most effective strategies that can address
the long-term financial and technical needs of the entire system of marine
protected areas in the Mesoamerican Reef. We will assess various mechanisms
that could be used to capture tourism and other revenues more effectively.
Strategies to be considered include fee-based revenue systems, tax incentives,
concessions, and debt-for-nature swaps.
OBJECTIVE UNDER CONSIDERATION: Sewage
Pollution
Untreated sewage flows are believed to affect the health of coral reefs.
However, few reliable studies exist that make a scientifically compelling
link between sewage pollution and the health and integrity of the Mesoamerican
Reef. Before we can consider an eighth objective we need to determine how
pervasive and damaging this problem is in relation to other sources of water
pollution affecting the Reef.
WE REGRET THAT WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING
UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS FOR THE MESOAMERICAN REEF PROGRAM
AT
THIS TIME. |
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| Photo by Wolcott
Henry |
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| Photo by Wolcott Henry |
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