Background
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 15 December 2011 19:47
- Written by Super User
For centuries we have imagined the ocean as a vast, unending space with inexhaustible resources. Today we know that marine resources are limited in abundance as well as spatial distribution.
Unrestricted extraction of resources and the growing number of users of the sea are creating strong conflicts between users and the environment, and between different users. It is clear that without suitable Marine Spatial Planning the natural base that sustains many economic activities will be destroyed.
The MarViva Foundation feels that only a comprehensive and multi-sectoral vision regarding this imminent destruction will ensure the sustainable management and conservation of the marine resources and ecosystems.
A visionary idea is consolidated
In 2002, a group of philanthropists concerned with protecting the great marine treasures of the Eastern Tropical Pacific, made an exploratory trip to Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica.
These visionaries, led by Swiss national Erica Knie, identified serious threats to the conservation of this vast, biodiverse area, rich in resources for coastal development.
For this reason, they proposed a model for responsible resource use and management based, at the start, on support to control and surveillance activities, the establishment of regulations and standards, and the enhancement of legal procedures.
Thus in 2003, the MarViva Foundation began operations in Costa Rica and Panama, with a solid, multidisciplinary work team made up of biologists, social communicators, political scientists, lawyers, oceanographers, geographers and others. Subsequently it also set up operations in Colombia in 2006.
Since its start, MarViva has worked in these three countries as a non-profit NGO, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal goods and services, with special attention on Marine Protected Areas, and Marine Spatial Planning processes as a priority.
Leader for change
In its mission to lead for change, MarViva stands out for its marine focus, regional scope, recognized image, solid credibility, emphasis on multi-sectoral and community participation, and its science-based support.
MarViva is the marine conservation reference organization at the sites where it operates. Its work model is based on political advocacy, participatory processes, multi-sectoral partnerships and the use of communication tools to promote policies and standards, raise awareness and foster changes of attitude toward marine issues.
