Researchers from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) have published a study that explores ways to secure long-term funding for marine protected areas (MPAs), focusing on lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean. The research, featured in Marine Policy, stems from discussions at the 5th International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC5) held in Vancouver in 2023.
The paper, titled “A Roundtable on Marine Protected Area Finance: Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean on Four Keys to Success for Improving Financial Sustainability,” was led by John Bohorquez, a SoMAS research associate, and Christine Santora, assistant director for policy and outreach at the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science. Other contributors include Ellen Pikitch, endowed professor of Ocean Conservation Science at SoMAS, and former graduate student Maria Grima. Their session brought together MPA managers from Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, as well as funders and consultants worldwide.
“We believe these lessons are globally relevant, not just for Latin America and the Caribbean, and they highlight how practitioner-led knowledge can shape broader conservation finance strategies,” Bohorquez said.
MPAs are widely considered effective tools for restoring ocean ecosystems and increasing resilience to climate change. However, many MPAs lack sufficient financial resources to support ongoing management efforts. The study notes that two-thirds or more of global MPA commitments may be underfunded. Without adequate support, these protected areas risk becoming “paper parks” with little real impact.
The study outlines four key strategies for improving financial sustainability: diversifying income sources through innovative financing mechanisms; strengthening internal financial capacity; building partnerships across sectors; and aligning policies to remove barriers. These recommendations are based on case studies and peer-to-peer exchanges among practitioners.
Traditional funding methods such as government budgets or grants often do not meet needs. Many MPA managers also lack experience in developing new financial solutions. In Belize, local groups improved funding stability for the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary by introducing eco-tourism services, water-quality monitoring programs, and equipment leasing. Collaboration with neighboring MPAs helped maximize limited resources.
In Honduras, when tourism revenue declined during COVID-19 restrictions, a marine park established a water-testing service for hotels and restaurants to generate steady income. Costa Rica has implemented national-level initiatives like the Forever Costa Rica program to secure millions in funding and expand MPA coverage; its dedicated “Blue Fund” now supports management activities through strategic partnerships.
“These examples show that local innovations can yield lessons with global relevance,” Bohorquez said. “From diversifying income streams to working across political boundaries and adapting traditional funding models, these efforts demonstrate how MPAs can achieve sustainable financing for a variety of contexts from local to national levels.”
Only 10 percent of oceans are currently protected globally, while most MPAs face resource shortages that threaten their effectiveness. Governments have pledged to protect 30 percent of oceans by 2030—an ambitious goal requiring dependable financing mechanisms. Recent international efforts such as the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework and events like Monaco’s Blue Economy Finance Forum have emphasized sustainable finance as essential for ocean health. Bohorquez has contributed insights at several forums including the UN Ocean Conference.
The research team aims for their findings to encourage wider adoption of sustainable financing approaches within conservation efforts worldwide.
