Development of the GEF-8 Blue Corridor: connectivity for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of marine ecosystems of global importance in the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica

IUCN has selected AAE to lead the design of the GEF-funded project "Blue Corridor: Connectivity for the Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use of Marine Ecosystems of Global Importance in the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica". The project will create and sustainably manage a marine corridor between Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, enhancing biodiversity conservation, restoring key ecosystems, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

Key actions include:

-Establishing participatory governance structures with IPLC leadership;

-Promoting sustainable activities like responsible fishing and ecotourism;

-Developing financial mechanisms and regulatory frameworks for long-term conservation;

-Implementing a participatory monitoring system to track corridor health.

The Blue Corridor project strengthens Costa Rica’s commitment to marine conservation while empowering local communities.