ENABLING LOCAL ACTION AND ALIGNED POLICIES

Members are supported in designing and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives that address the needs of their communities while strengthening livelihoods and advancing the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems.

Why it matters

The most important decisions shaping coastal resilience are made at the local level. When local governments lead, solutions are more effective, more inclusive, and built to last.

Supporting action on the ground

Coastal 500 helps members strengthen local action by supporting them in advancing policies, plans and programs, and initiatives that:

Support sustainable fisheries and effective coastal management

Strengthen community participation and co-management

Enhance climate and community resilience

Help protect critical coastal and marine ecosystems they depend on

Aligning with national and global ocean protection, biodiversity and climate targets

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach - each member shapes solutions based on their local priorities and realities.”

Rocky Sanchez Tirona, Managing Director,
Regional Programs Rare

in action

Curuça, Brazil

Member municipalities are embedded climate change into its coastal management policy, balancing conservation with economic development and strengthening long-term resilience.

In the Philippines

The municipality of Del Carmen advanced policies to strengthen local patrols to reduce illegal fishing and protect critical mangrove ecosystems, improving outcomes for both fisheries and communities.

In Honduras

Coastal 500 leaders united to advocate for national fisheries reform, pushing for exclusive nearshore zones for small-scale fishers in the country’s north shore, protecting livelihoods and reducing pressure from industrial fleets.

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Take action in your community

Join a network of local leaders turning commitment into real impact for coastal communities.

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