The extensive and unique biological and cultural diversity of Mesoamerica is mainly located in the territories of indigenous peoples and local communities, terrestrial and marine life territories in which the indigenous peoples and local communities’ are the main custodians.  They have courageously, effectively  and efficiently protect biological diversity. The terrestrial and marine territories of life have three main characteristics; first they are territories of peoples that have a close and holistic relationship with that territory and its natural resources, second there is governance, the people in these territories develop mechanism and organization for decision making and finally, we can find a diversity of strategies or traditional practices for the conservation of biodiversity.

Within these territories of life, women and youth play a fundamental role in local action, conservation, and promotion of collective action, however, they are not always seen as leading actors and often their contribution and work are not recognized. In this sense, there are still great challenges to enhance their participation in the definition of public policies that benefit them and improve their good living.

Developing a process that strengthens and consolidates these sites of learning and conservation in the marine territories of life in Mesoamerica is essential, given that the economic development model and the non-recognition of these territories by governments makes them vulnerable and your vitality and resilience will gradually weaken. 

CoopeSoliDar R.L and ICCAs Mesoamerica, has proposed, through the generation of information and systematization of good practices, to influence global efforts for the conservation of biodiversity and human well-being, with the purpose of strengthening the ICCA Mesoamerica network, thus recognizing the exemplary contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities and artisanal fishing in the conservation and sustainable use of marine diversity and help recognized the role of local communities and indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation.

CoopeSoliDar R.L has developed actions aimed at strengthening small-scale artisanal fishing territories and local communities in the region for more than 22 years. Most of these territories are under models of shared governance or governance of indigenous peoples. The work carried out has had an impact on global politics that today discusses the urgent need to integrate a vision of human rights into marine conservation and position the voice of fishermen at the next World Oceans Congress organized by the United Nations in Lisbon.

Links with additional information:

https://www.iccaconsortium.org/index.php/es/inicio/

https://www.cffacape.org/ssf-call-to-action

https://www.iccaconsortium.org/index.php/es/2022/03/29/fortalecimiento-territorios-de-vida-marino-costeros-mesoamerica/ 

¹Biologist, honorary member of the ICCA Consortium, part of the Board of Directors of ICSF, and CEESP member

²Psychologist and President of the Administration Board of CoopesoliDar R.L.