Local leadership.
Global impact.

Across the world’s most climate-vulnerable coastlines, local leaders are proving that lasting change starts at the community level. Coastal 500 brings local governments together to turn ambition into action—protecting marine ecosystems, strengthening livelihoods, and building resilience where it matters most.

From small municipalities to national influence, this network is transforming how coastal conservation happens: locally led, community powered, and globally amplified. Together, Coastal 500 demonstrates that when local governments are equipped and connected, they can drive solutions that benefit both people and nature at scale.

By the numbers

Coastal 500 is the largest global network of mayors and local government leaders advancing coastal resilience and turning local action into global impact.

550+

Mayors + local government leaders driving change

8

Countries represented across the network

97

Hectares of coastal waters covered

80+

Policies catalyzed to protect our oceans

$3M

In public funding proposed to support effective coastal management

35M+

People benefiting from more sustainable fisheries

12+

Global forums—including UN Ocean Conference & Climate COPs—where local leaders advocate for community-based priorities and solutions

Real change, driven from the ground up

Behind every number there are local leaders and communities driving real change.

More resilient economies and communities

Community-led coastal management is restoring fish stocks, improving incomes, and securing food systems for millions who depend on the ocean.

Policies that protect people and ecosystems

Coastal leaders are shaping local and national policies—from securing fishing rights to advancing marine protection and climate resilience.

Millions of hectares of coastal waters under protection and effective management

Locally led marine protected areas and sustainable-use zones are safeguarding critical ecosystems like mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses.

Local voices shaping global agendas

Coastal 500 leaders are bringing frontline perspectives to major global platforms, ensuring international goals reflect local realities, priorities and solutions.

Peer learning that accelerates action

What works in one community spreads across the network, turning local success into global momentum.

Stories of Impact

Across the network, leaders are turning bold commitments into tangible results.

Story

To Protect the Mesoamerican Reef, Honduran Mayors Commit to Coastal Fisheries Reform

Story

Five reasons to protect the community seas

Story

Nine big wins for ocean conservation in 2024

Story

Five reasons why local leaders hold the key to community resilience

Story

4 Takeaways from the UN Ocean Conference

Story

Rare Elevates Local Leaders at Our Ocean

Story

Rare at the 2022 Our Ocean Conference

Annual reports

Our approach is grounded in evidence and continuous learning, helping local governments and their leaders refine strategies and scale what works.

Help us shape the global conversation.

Together, we are bringing local leadership and coastal priorities to the global stage.