Development of Safeguards Elements following the Blue Action Fund Standards for the Project "Consolidating Oceanic MPAs in Costa Rica"

In 2021, Costa Rica expanded Coco Island National Park (PNIC) and the Bicentennial Marine Management Area (AMMB) to protect 30% of its Pacific Exclusive Economic Zone, advancing its global biodiversity commitments. While this achievement drew strong international support, it also highlighted the need to strengthen institutional capacity, coordination, and management across the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC).

To address these challenges, MarViva, FAICO, and ACMC, with support from the Blue Action Fund (BAF), are preparing a 2026–2031 project proposal. The consultancy aims to develop the project’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) - safeguard instruments to be determined - following the Blue Action Fund (BAF) standards. This includes conducting the screening, scoping, and a detailed Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental and social risks and impacts associated with the proposed project.

Deliverables:

• Screening results using the BAF’s E&S tool.
• Scoping results using the same tool
• Implementation of the ESA, including baseline establishment and documentation.
• Development of safeguard instruments such as the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), Stakeholder Engagement
• Plan (SEP), and Grievance Mechanism, following BAF templates.
• Support the project proposal on integrating environmental and social safeguards.
• A memo summarizing how ESA findings are reflected in the final proposal.