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Year after year, thousands of species migrate through a marine corridor that connects four countries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Protecting this ecosystem is key not only to preserving biodiversity but also to generating economic and employment opportunities in the region.
Jair Urriola Quiroz, Executive Secretary of the CMAR (Marine Corridor of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Region), explained the role of this regional initiative and its impact on conservation and employment in an interview conducted last April.
What is the CMAR?
[tweetquote:[tweetText=The CMAR is a strategic initiative that brings together four key countries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific region, working jointly to protect not only the species that migrate through this important corridor, but also the biodiversity surrounding it,tweetData=WorldBankGroup,tweetHash=]].
It is an area that hosts unique endemic species found nowhere else on the planet, which is why, in the interest of its protection, the four countries that make up CMAR have worked together for the past 22 years.
Which countries are involved and why is joint work important?
[tweetquote:[tweetText=CMAR is composed of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. This composition is based on the most important marine protected areas or national marine parks in these four countries,tweetData=WorldBankGroup,tweetHash=]].
There are 11 core areas, starting from Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica, passing through Galápagos National Park, Coiba National Park, and Malpelo and Gorgona in Colombia.
The joint effort exists because this migratory route functions like an underwater highway that links these marine territories, aiming not only to protect them but also to generate jobs and economic income for those who depend on this zone, which spans more than 600,000 km².
How does the CMAR contribute to a sustainable fisheries sector and job creation?
The CMAR was founded around fisheries. More than 25 years ago, the four countries began discussions on how to protect these marine areas while also benefiting the fisheries sector that depends on them.
In some areas, such as Galápagos, there is direct engagement with the communities living nearby. In other areas, even those that are more remote, communities maintain a direct relationship with these ecosystems, not only through fishing but also through tourism.
This helps generate employment while ensuring the proper conservation of these resources. [tweetquote:[tweetText=According to CMAR data, more than 600,000 people depend on this sector along the corridor, directly and indirectly, with thousands of jobs linked to both fishing and tourism,tweetData=WorldBankGroup,tweetHash=]].
How does the CMAR contribute to sustainable tourism?
[tweetquote:[tweetText=The CMAR has a regional tourism group that is working on a sustainability guide for marine protected areas, with support from the World Bank through the PROBLUE program,tweetData=WorldBankGroup,tweetHash=]].
Tourism dynamics vary by location, but include activities such as diving, exploration, and scientific tourism. In fact, CMAR decisions are strongly supported by scientific evidence.
Key destinations include Galápagos, Coiba, Cocos Island, Gorgona, and Malpelo. Some receive constant tourism, while others, more remote, are primarily focused on scientific research.
Countries apply guidelines to ensure sustainable tourism, even temporarily closing certain areas to allow regeneration.
What other economic benefits does a healthy ocean generate?
Protection has economic value. Conserving biodiversity not only creates jobs, but also attracts tourism and promotes scientific research. There is also value in species and their genetic richness, always under regulations that respect each country’s sovereignty.
This is an ocean that has not yet been fully explored, full of life and with high potential value that requires protection and conservation.
Why is this important for future generations?
The future lies with young people. The planet is mostly made up of water, and oceans are essential for food and food security.
For the CMAR, it is important to work with new generations of scientists and youth in general. For this reason, the creation of a youth network is being promoted as part of its 2025–2035 action plan, with the aim of engaging them in ocean protection.
What species are found in the CMAR?
The corridor hosts a great diversity of species, with new ones being discovered continuously. It is not only a transit route but also a breeding and feeding ground.
Among the most emblematic species are the whale shark, hammerhead shark, manta ray, and green turtle. There are also commercially important species such as tuna.
It is estimated that there are around 2,000 species within the CMAR, many of them endemic, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world.
[tweetquote:[tweetText=Preserving oceans, biodiversity, and job creation can go hand in hand,tweetData=WorldBankGroup,tweetHash=]].
Interviewer: Álvaro G. de Pablo, Communications Associate at The World Bank Group