Press Release
MAR FUND RECEIVES
10 MILLION EUROS IN ENDOWMENT FUNDS FROM THE
GERMAN FINANCIAL COOPERATION
In recognition of the transnational leadership of the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR
Fund) in the conservation of biodiversity and natural goods and services in the
Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region, the German Financial Cooperation has awarded the
MAR Fund €10 million ($13.05 million dollars) in endowment funds.
QUOTE –Stefan Rischar, Project Manager, KfW
"Being part of the MAR Fund since its early days, when a group of idealists
participated in the design of the first regional fund in Latin America, and now,
almost a decade later, witnessing this watershed event that will grant permanence
to the institution, makes me feel it was all worth it. Now we can concentrate on
increasing the endowment to provide meaningful, long-term financing for this
wonderful ecosystem, pride of Mesoamerica and wonder of the world." –Lorenzo
Rosenzweig, Chairman of the Board
The endowment will enable the MAR Fund to achieve its mission of providing longterm financial support for the conservation of the MAR eco-region. Earnings will be
used to advance the MAR Fund’s Small Grants and Community Fisheries programs and
to co-finance the Fund’s operation.
“Securing an endowment has been a goal of the Board for such a long time—
indeed, our most important goal—and for it to have materialized so quickly is truly
remarkable. The fact that the MAR Fund was able to react so rapidly and devote the
intense work necessary to effectively take advantage of this opportunity is a
testament to the organization’s dedication and capability.” –Gina de Ferrari, MAR
Fund Board
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund is a four-country conservation fund devoted to inspiring
innovative transnational solutions to critical Mesoamerican Reef issues. The
centerpiece of the MAR Fund’s work is the development of an interconnected regional
network of coastal and marine protected areas. Properly managed, this network will
protect fish populations, habitats, spawning aggregation sites, aquatic resources, forest
resources, and recreation opportunities, as well as supporting development of the ecoregion.
Well-managed protected areas regulate access to fisheries, protecting both target and
non-target species, allowing populations to recover to sustainable levels required to
support community livelihoods. Additionally, the inclusion of coastal areas within a
regional network preserves sea grass beds and mangroves, providing critical
reproductive habitat for endangered manatees, turtles, and other species. This coastal
habitat also curbs land erosion and filters incoming water, serving as an effective buffer
zone between the watershed and the reef. Finally, within the framework of protected
areas we are able to reduce the impacts of climate change by applying proper
management practices and protecting resilient reefs.
QUOTE –Carlos Saavedra?
The Mesoamerican Reef is the largest coral reef in the Atlantic and is part of the
interconnected system of coastal habitats and currents that extends throughout the
Caribbean basin and beyond. Its coastline stretches for 1,000 kilometers, from the tip of
the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. The region’s natural
riches include some of the world’s most stunning coastline and vibrant waters. In
addition, the reef region is home to an array of over 500 fish species, some of the
world’s largest populations of manatees and sea turtles, possibly the largest known
aggregation of whale sharks, and valuable concentrations of mangroves, sea grass, and
coral.
Mesoamerican Reef Fund
13 calle 21-00, Zona 15 Vista Hermosa III, Interior 20-74, Guatemala, C.A. 01015
Lorenzo Rosenzweig, Chairman of the Board
María José González, Executive Director