Blue Economy Pilot Initiatives
The Blue Economy component of the PACIFICO–FFEM project promotes sustainable models that connect marine conservation with the well-being of coastal communities in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Its objective is to contribute to a more efficient and harmonious management of marine biodiversity by strengthening both Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the initiatives that depend on them through impact investments.
Through a Regional Blue Economy Facility, PACIFICO seeks to support communities in transitioning toward more ecological, efficient, inclusive, and socially equitable practices by providing technical assistance to five pilot initiatives selected in 2025. The approach combines environmental restoration, economic innovation, gender equality, and regional collaboration across Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
PACIFICO–FFEM impact investments integrate environmental, social, and financial criteria to strengthen regenerative economic models in coastal and marine territories. This includes technical support, financial instruments tailored to the needs of each initiative, and a long-term vision that enables projects to grow, generate local income, and contribute to marine conservation. The approach prioritizes fair value chains, community economic empowerment, women’s leadership, responsible practices, and alignment with Marine Protected Areas.
Ad Hoc Pilot Selection Committee
Selected Blue Economy Projects
Each pilot project represents a local initiative that translates the Blue Economy into concrete action through sustainable value chains, responsible tourism, regenerative restoration, and artisanal fisheries models based on community governance. Together, they reflect the social, cultural, and environmental diversity of the Eastern Tropical Pacific and incorporate innovation, sustainability, and community strengthening.
Colombia – From the Mangrove to Your Home (see details)
Lead Organization: Bahía Málaga Women Piangua Harvesters Association, with support from Fondo Acción.
Colombia – La Cumbancha Community Tourism Circuit (see details)
Lead Organization: La Cumbancha S.A.S., with support from Fondo Acción.
Costa Rica – Regenerative Tourism and Coral Gardening (see details)
Lead Organization: Raising Coral Costa Rica (ACRXS).
Panama – Artisanal Fisheries and Responsible Tourism in the Gulf of Montijo (see details)
Lead Organization: Federation of Fishers of Coiba National Park (FEPACOIBA), with support from Fundación Natura.
Ecuador – Responsible Fisheries in Machalilla National Park, Manabí (see details)
Lead Organization: Puerto Salango Artisanal Diving Fishers Association (ASOSALAN), with support from Instituto Nazca.
National and Regional Coordination
The project promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange among Marine Protected Areas through the mechanisms of CMAR (Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor), a regional platform established by the Ministries of Environment of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Más información: M.Sc. Andrea Montero-Cordero, Coordinadora de Proyecto coordinacionFFEM@redpacifico.net
Documentation
These protocols apply only to the Quality- and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method. Unless the Terms of Reference expressly indicate QCBS, Fixed-Budget Selection will be used when the TOR include a previously determined reference amount.