A Sanctuary Without Borders: Protecting the Eastern Tropical Pacific

A Journey Without Borders

In the vast expanse of the Eastern Tropical Pacific, Sanjay, a green sea turtle tagged on Costa Rica’s remote Cocos Island, begins a 14-day, 700 kilometer journey across the open ocean: its destination, the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Its voyage is one of many migratory journeys tracked by scientists, revealing the interconnected paths and ancient routes marine species navigate across this biodiversity-rich region, bound by the waters of Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama.  

As Sanjay’s journey unfolds, it encounters an intricate web of human activity –  fishing boats, marine trade routes, and bustling tourist destinations – all vital to local economies. Yet, these activities also threaten fragile ecosystems. Unsustainable fishing, pollution, and mass tourism disrupt the delicate habitats on which these migratory species rely. While marine life moves freely,  policies and protections have historically remained fragmented, posing challenges for conservation efforts.

This is where the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) comes in. Established in 2004 by Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama, CMAR is a regional initiative that strengthens connectivity, conservation, and sustainable management across marine protected areas (MPAs). What began with five MPAs – including four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – has now expanded to over 10 MPAs and 2 million square kilometers of ocean. It has also fostered collaboration with other important marine areas farther afield like Revillagigedo (Mexico) and Clipperton Island (France).  

Why CMAR Matters More Than Ever

The Eastern Tropical Pacific is one of the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically significant marine regions, shaped by powerful ocean currents, supporting over 160 migratory and endemic species – many endangered. These rich waters sustain fisheries, regulate the climate, and provide vital ecosystem services.

But these ecosystems face growing threats. Climate change, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, habitat loss, and pollution take a toll. As marine species migrate across borders, their protection cannot fall to individual nations alone, making CMAR more essential than ever.

Turning Collaboration into Action

CMAR’s success relies on strong governance, strategic planning, and sustained collaboration. Coordinating efforts across four countries and an expanding network of partners requires clear decision-making, stable funding, and effective implementation.

With support from  the PROBLUE multi-donor Trust Fund, the World Bank has played a key role in strengthening CMAR’s governance. To ensure long-term stability, the Bank has helped establish a Permanent Secretariat - a crucial mechanism for strategic planning, coordination and decision-making. By analyzing similar secretariats, providing governance advice, and estimating costs for a permanent body, the Bank is contributing to a critical transition for CMAR.

A landmark achievement in CMAR’s journey is its 10-year Action Plan (2025–2035) – a comprehensive strategy to guide conservation efforts, funding, and regional initiatives. The World Bank is facilitating its development, offering technical expertise and enabling broad stakeholder consultations. Additionally, the Bank is providing capacity building to strengthen the secretariat, streamline management practices, and develop a communications strategy. By supporting this long-term framework, the World Bank is helping CMAR ensure clear conservation priorities, resilient governance, and financial sustainability.

Looking ahead, the World Bank will continue supporting key areas, including addressing invasive species and strengthening capacity for blue economy development, reinforcing CMAR’s sustainable development goals.

A Model for Regional Collaboration

One of CMAR’s greatest strengths – and challenges – lies in its multi-country approach. With different national priorities, achieving consensus requires constant dialogue, trust and flexibility. CMAR proves that when countries unite around a shared vision, they achieve greater impact than when acting alone.

Lessons from CMAR underscore the importance of open communication, joint decision-making, and inclusive participation in large-scale conservation. As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, CMAR stands as proof that ambitious marine protection initiatives thrive when countries collaborate as partners.

Looking Ahead: A Decade of Opportunity

As the CMAR Action Plan 2025-2035 moves forward, the next decade will be key in ensuring that Sanjay –  along with countless marine species like  Yolanda, the tiger shark, and Coco, the whale shark  – can continue their migrations, not just surviving, but thriving. By securing CMAR’s success, this corridor will remain a sanctuary for migratory species, healthy fisheries, and climate resilience – contributing to food security, climate stability, and ocean health.  

However, long-term success depends on sustained collaboration, investment, and governance. Scientists, policymakers, and financial institutions must continue working together to safeguard CMAR’s future – one where nature’s rhythms remain undisturbed by human threats.

The ocean knows no borders, nor should our commitment to protect it.