The Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR) encompasses 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. It is home to some of the world’s most stunning coastline and vibrant waters, with an astonishing array over 500 known fish species, some of the largest remaining population of manatees and sea turtles, possibly the largest known aggregation of whale sharks, and valuable concentrations of mangroves, sea-grass, and coral, of which there are 66 species of spiny coral alone.
The MAR Fund is a regional environmental fund established to support conservation efforts specifically in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Ecoregion. Its mission is to enable innovative, transnational solutions to critical Mesoamerican reef issues through providing meaningful, long-term financial support and trustworthy reef management advice so that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a thriving reef systemThe centerpiece of MAR Fund’s work is the establishment and strengthening of a functional network of priority coastal and marine protected areas in the MAR Region. In these areas, the MAR Fund supports and promotes: adaptation to climate change; conservation and restoration of natural resources and ecological processes; permanence of connectivity functions and ecosystem services; and sustainable use of resources. If managed properly, such a network will secure fish stocks, habitats, spawning sites, water/forest resources, and recreational and development opportunities for generations to come. Their work has secured new and additional funds to the initiatives in the eco-region, that has provided critical support to local, national and regional conservation efforts.
This TIE placement will help MAR Fund with their overall communications. We’ll help them rethink their brand and plan how to communicate effectively with all their stakeholders. This will help with the long term sustainability of the Fund and of the dozens of local initiatives supported by their work. Also, by giving visibility to the work developed in the area and its results, this placement will help future conservation efforts and partnerships.
Will Wells, from Wieden+Kennedy London, is going to Guatemala next year. Stay tuned for updates!
