The MarViva Foundation began its work in Colombia in May 2006 through an association agreement with the Malpelo Foundation to promote protection, education, research and sustainable use of marine resources in the country. The coordinated project was based at the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary.
As of 2008, MarViva opened its new offices in Colombia in order to work on its own programmes in four specific areas.
• Utría National Nature Park
• Gorgona National Nature Park
• Sanquianga National Nature Park
• Bahía Málaga Sanctuary (project)
The work of the organisation is centred on the following activities:
• Provision of technical and legal assistance to the authorities to help draft policies, laws and
regulations to support an adequate management of the country?s marine resources.
• Awareness campaigns and collaboration with the media to shape public opinion as to the
importance of the role of marine protected areas.
• The four programmes in the organisation work in a coordinated fashion on the projects geared
towards the communities whose livelihood depends on marine resources, offering training in
better practices in fishing and tourism and developing alternative productive activities so as to
reduce pressure on the coastal-marine resources and improve the quality of life of the
inhabitants.
