Eastern Tropical Pacific
- Details
- Published on Friday, 16 December 2011 16:54
- Written by Super User
The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) extends along the Pacific coast of America, from southern Baja California in Mexico to northern Peru. It includes various islands such as the Galapagos, Revillagigedo, Cocos and Clipperton.
It is characterized by high biological diversity, valuable fish resources and great potential for the socioeconomic development of its countries.
The tuna and other pelagic species resources found in this region are some of the richest in the world, its coastal scenic beauty is the foundation of a dynamic tourism industry, and more than 55,000 artisanal fishers find sustenance in its marine resources.
The territory has alternative energy generation, tourism and maritime transport improvements, among other features, however, today threats exist 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.
Marine Corridor
There is a Marine Corridor in the ETP whose primary focus is the national parks:
- Cocos Island (Costa Rica)
- Coiba National Island Park (Panama)
- Gorgona Island (Colombia)
- Galapagos Marine Reserve (Ecuador)
Together these form a regional network of Marine Protected Areas, created following the initiative to promote the recovery, exploitation and sustainable use of existing marine resources via ecosystem management through the establishment of governmental strategies supported by civil society, international cooperation and non-governmental entities.
MarViva programs maintain a presence in:
- Costa Rica: Gulf of Nicoya, Osa (Southern Pacific), Cocos Island
- Panama: Gulf of Chiriquí
- Colombia: Chocó
The objective is to promote the sustainable use and sound management of the resources that will help provide benefits to many users of the sea. While it is true that we work for conservation, the idea is not merely to create a huge Marine Protected Area or to impede industrial and artisanal fishing, nor is it to exclude fishers and other users of marine resources.
Benefits of the Marine Corridor
There are many species of fish in the Marine Corridor with high commercial value, thus the implementation of measures to ensure the sustainable use of the product becomes a contribution to the fishers.
With the strengthening of environmentally responsible processes the fishing sector enjoys greater product acceptance in the main markets. Moreover, an area suitable for the reproduction and development of marine species is established.
The marvelous biological diversity of the Marine Corridor is a major issue; therefore the establishment of regulations and the development of best practices for sustainable tourism are essential to the supply of tourism products.
The quality of marine resources in the Eastern Tropical Pacific is globally recognized; thus the initiative for the creation of the Marine Corridor will help ensure that benefits will continue to be produced for the long-term welfare of all.
