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TH E M  E S O A M E R I C A N R  E E F

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AND ITS PEOPLE

The spectacular Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) extends

and subsistence fishing. The massive reef structure

more than 1,000 km from the northern tip of Mexico's

provides gentle passage and anchorage for boats,

Yucatan Peninsula southward through the clear waters

as well as storm and erosion protection for coastal

of Belize, Guatemala and northern Honduras (Figure

environments and communities. And the national

1). The reef ecoregion reaches inland to include the

economies  of  Mexico,  Belize  and  Honduras

Caribbean watersheds of those four countries, and it

substantially benefit from the reef's appeal as an

stretches 1,000 km offshore to depths of over 5,000

international tourist destination.

m1,2.

Still, little is known about the linkages between the

well-being of the local people and the health of the

This reef system, which includes the Western

Mesoamerican Reef system. For many centuries,

Hemisphere's longest barrier reef, is one of the world's

the reef has provided sustainable livelihoods for

biodiversity hotspots3. The people of the region are

coastal residents. Overfishing is considered by many

also rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, with many

scientists to be the most persistent and extensive

traditional cultures still closely tied to marine and

threat on the Mesoamerican Reef. However, the recent

coastal resources. Here, more than most places, the

escalation of coastal and tourist populations, along

health of the human population, our communities

with the associated destruction of natural coastal

and our economies, depend largely on our ability to

habitats, including mangrove forests, is considered

maintain healthy reefs.

the most significant current threat by many of the

Biologically rich and threatened, the Mesoamerican

region's stakeholders6,7. In addition, deforestation in

Reef encompasses a wide array of coral reefs: long

the watersheds and expanding agrobusiness are also

barrier reefs, nearshore fringing reefs, offshore atolls,

considered major threats to the reef, particularly in

and patch reefs by the hundreds. Associated shallow

the southern half of the ecoregion6,7. Finally, the all-

and deep lagoons, mangrove forests and seagrass

encompassing threats associated with global climate

beds provide homes and foraging and nursery

change (such as ocean warming, stronger hurricanes,

grounds for a great variety of marine life -- including

and ocean acidification) are adding to the cumulative

six endangered and five critically endangered marine

stress on the region's ecosystems8,9.

species4.

This culturally and ethnically diverse region is also

home to many cultural groups, including Miskito,

Pesche, Garifuna, Caribbean Creole, Mestizos, and

K'ekchi, Mopan, and Yucatec Maya. Like the reef

itself, coastal traditional societies are experiencing

rapid change. Mass tourism, commercial fishing, and

exposure to foreign cultures and the global market

economy all encourage a more detached, globalized

culture, especially among younger generations.

Traditional cultural identity and ecological values and

knowledge are being lost at an alarming rate.

Nevertheless, many coastal communities have

managed to maintain a strong local identity and

are working to preserve traditional languages and

practices. The people have deep roots in the land and

at sea, and their lifestyles and livelihood reflect the

influences of geography and environment.

In all, more than one million people directly depend

on the integrity and health of the Mesoamerican

Reef (MAR) for their livelihood5. The reef and its

associated habitats support commercial, recreational

Melanie McField/WWF

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