We invite you to celebrate World Oceans Day 2023 with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afrodescendant communities in Mesoamerica
First published on 06/06/2023, and last updated on 07/11/2023
Shared by CoopeSoliDar (Member, ICCA Consortium)
Enough! This can’t go on! World Oceans Day can’t be celebrated without the participation of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afrodescendant communities. Those who live by the sea have rights to it and are its true guardians.
From Mesoamerica, we share the challenges that artisanal fishing communities face in pursuit of a critical and clear vision that responds to the immediate need to reclaim governance of their territory and access to marine resources.
On this World Oceans Day and every day, Territories of Life, ICCA Mesoamerica and all its members recognize, embrace, and support the perspectives of the global small-scale artisanal fishing community.
Read more: A call to action from the small-scale artisanal fishing community
Read more: Standards of conduct for working with small-scale artisanal fishers to save our oceans
On the occasion of World Oceans Day 2023, we are sharing interesting documentaries, videos, and other information about Territories of Life in Mesoamerica. Below you will find links to these videos and other resources.
Emblematic Mesoamerican marine territories are revealing their condition and state of vulnerability. Let’s not ignore them any longer!
Message from Becky Mccray Urbina of Nicaragua
Representing the Rama People of Nicaragua on World Oceans Day and on behalf of Mesoamerican Territories of Marine Life.
Becky Mccray Urbina, Nicaragua, representing the Rama People, speaks on the occasion of World Oceans Day.
Ngäbe-Buglé Territory of Marine Life, Panamá
The Ngäbe-Buglé People have lived in their coastal marine territory on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas in Panama for more than 120 years. Even so, they face many challenges related to lack of participation in decisions over resource management in their marine territory. Though they care for their territory and marine resources, they were not consulted regarding the decision to prohibit lobster fishing activity during the closed season. Neither were those people affected by the current plan to convert the Escudo de Veragua into a protected marine area taken into account, even though it is within their ancestral territory.
“The voice of Gnobe Bugle fishers in defense of their Territory of Marine Life.”
This video is part of an initiative underway to support small-scale and artisanal fishers and Territories of Life in Mesoamerica. Produced by CoopeSoliDar, the Marine Area Network for Responsible Fishing, and the ICCA Consortium.
For a brief introduction to the Kusapin District of the Gnobe Bugle Territory of Marine Life, download this report (PDF).
Majé Emberá Druá Territory of Life, Panamá
This documentary video shares the history of the Majé Emberá Druá People in Panama, who have been and continue to be affected by development. Despite injustices, their Territory of Life continues to be an exemplar of the conservation of biodiversity and vitality.
“Raising community awareness of the state of the Majé Emberá Druá Territory of Life.” This video was produced by the Majé Emberá Druá General Congress, CoopeSoliDar R.L., and the ICCA Consortium, with financial support from the Packard Foundation.
For a brief introduction to the Majé Emberá Druá Territory of Marine Life in Panama, download this report (PDF).
Garifuna Territory of Marine Life, Honduras
This documentary gathers diverse voices and images of the Garifuna People’s Territory of Marine Life on Honduras’ Atlantic Coast in all of its cultural richness. The voices of women claim visibility and recognition of their work and lives, as they are the ones who process artisanal fishing resources and guarantee the nutrition and education of their children.
“The Garifuna People’s Territory of Marine Life on the Atlantic Coast of Honduras”
For a brief introduction to the Honduran Garifuna Territory of Marine Life, download this report (PDF).
La Mosquitia Territory of Marine Life, Honduras
This video shares the urgent need for support of Indigenous Peoples’ territorial sovereignty. La Mosquitia Territory of Marine Life in Honduras is being severely violated by so-called “third parties.” We need to protect the lifeways of Indigenous People who fish!
“Third-party Invasion Documentary 2023”
Bocas de Camichín Territory of Life, Mexico
The Boca de Camichín Territory of Marine Life contributes to conservation and sustainable development in Mexico. Boca de Camichín is an Oyster-farming and fishing community located in Nayarit National Marshlands in Mexico. The oyster-farming activity there is 100% sustainable and guided by inclusive artisanal practices upon which the local economy depends.
Oyster cultivation permits the reclamation of an endemic species that was in danger of extinction, the Ostrea corteziensis oyster, commonly known as the pleasure oyster. This oyster is one of the most important local species from both environmental and commercial points of view, as it contributes to community development in the marshlands and across the region, as well as to the development of artisanal fishing in Mexico.
For a brief introduction to the Bocas de Camichín Garifuna Territory of Marine Life in Mexico, download this report (PDF).
National Network of Marine Areas for Responsible Fishing and Territories of Marine Life in Costa Rica
The National Network of Marine Areas for Responsible Fishing and Territories of Marine Life brings together 22 small-scale artisanal fishing communities in Costa Rica. Together they take a rights-based approach to community defense to remain protagonists in decision-making processes over their territories. The network has advocated in defense of land tenure, access to marine resources, and dignified, decent work, among other campaigns on behalf of artisanal fishers in Costa Rica. Their defense of the governance model over Cahuita National Park in the Costa Rican Caribbean is a good example of this work.
“Cahuita and its National Park: No meddling with shared governance.” This video was produced by the Cahuita Development Association, CoopeSoliDar R.L., and the ICCA Consortium, with financial support from the Packard Foundation. Cahuita and its National Park: No meddling with shared governance.
For a brief introduction to the National Network of Marine Areas for Responsible Fishing and Territories of Marine Life in Costa Rica, download this report (PDF).
