The Pacific Central American Coastal Large Marine Ecosystem (PACA LME) is not just 1.9 million square kilometers of ocean; it is the blue heart of a region that connects the people of nine countries through shared waters, invaluable biodiversity, and coastal communities. In 2024, an unprecedented collaboration began in this region.

Developing national diagnostics of the marine and coastal environment in the six countries participating in the Sustainable Pacific project, marked an essential step towards regional integration. This integration is through the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA), a key tool for addressing shared challenges in GEF´s international waters projects.

Each national diagnostic provides a window into local realities. From the importance of mangroves to local economies, to magnificent migratory species. such as humpback whales, mahi-mahi, or tuna, these national analyses revealed a mosaic of shared challenges: unsustainable fishing, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change.

“These findings are of great importance to us, as they help meet national goals and international commitments. Undoubtedly, they favor the management and implementation of regulations for the conservation of natural resources and the sustainable use of biodiversity,” highlighted Francisco Aceituno from the Directorate of Biodiversity, Secretariat of Energy, Natural Resources, Environment, and Mines, Honduras.

Through workshops and dialogues with men and women in the fishing sector, community leaders, academics, and environmental experts, the national diagnostics allowed for ample collaboration. In 2024, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Ecuador validated these diagnostics, and in January 2025, Costa Rica and Mexico completed this step in the process. With this, all six national diagnostics have been completed, paving the way for the next phase. In April 2025, a regional workshop will be held to present the results and move forward with integrating the TDA, ensuring that shared challenges and opportunities are addressed collectively.

“This process has been an enriching experience for the fishing sector, showing active participation and great interest. Furthermore, the fundamental role of women in this field has been highlighted. My main responsibility has been coordinating between the fishing sector and institutions, ensuring that everyone can fully participate,” commented Estefanía Rivera, Directorate of Fishing and Aquaculture Normativity in Guatemala.

In 2025, with the TDA as a compass, Sustainable Pacific is ready to embark on a transformative journey. The true highlight of the process will emerge with the Strategic Action Program (SAP), a roadmap that will turn knowledge into action. More than just a document, the SAP will be the map that connects local aspirations with regional goals. Based on principles such as ecosystem-based management and inclusive participation, the SAP will define concrete solutions to promote sustainable economies, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen regional governance.