MarViva Foundation, founded in 2002, is a regional NGO, based in Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia. Its mission is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), a rich and biodiverse marine space sustaining critical sources of natural heritage, food, and employment for the region and beyond. In the United States, MarViva is a fiscally-sponsored project of the Trust for Conservation Innovation (TCI). Tax-deductible contributions received by TCI are re-granted to MarViva to support their work to preserve the marine environment as well as the long-term economic sustainability of human activities in the sea for the present and future generations.
The Challenge
The ETP is one of the richest regions in the world. Its coastal scenic beauty is the foundation of a dynamic tourism industry, and commercial and artisanal fishersfind sustenance in its marine resources. Increasing threats such as the non-sustainable extraction of biological and mineral resources, coastal pollution, unplanned development of coastal infrastructure and navigation, as well as poor management of port access. This is why achieving a balance between socioeconomic development and marine resource conservation is a challenge for ETP countries.
MarViva’s interdisciplinary team
Integrated through five core programs: Policy Advocacy, Science, Communities, Sustainable Markets, and Communications MarViva advances initiatives in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and the region:
Facilitating multi-sectoral, participatory processes to improve the legal and institutional framework regarding human activities in the sea.
Providing technical and scientific support to diverse stakeholders, including governments, communities, private sector and other decision makers for the formulation and implementation of policy and sustainable development activities.
Strengthening users and community participation in decision making fora.
Promoting the development of responsible markets and market incentives to drive conservation and sustainability.
Supporting Marine Protected Areas management and control.
Building local capabilities and technical skills to enhance the effectiveness of the regulations and market initiatives.
Fostering the development and implementation of high seas governance and regulation.
Raising awareness and calling to action multiple audiences and stakeholders.
Leveraging partnerships and collaboration among local and international organizations.
