Improving coastal and marine ecosystem management in Brazil (TerraMar II)

Context

Brazil’s 'Blue Amazon' covers 40 per cent of the national territory and supports a variety of coastal and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and estuaries. These ecosystems play a vital role in addressing climate change, driving local economic development, and improving the wellbeing of coastal populations and traditional local communities. However, they are under serious threat due to climate change, plastic pollution, and the uncoordinated use of resources by multiple industries, such as ports, fishing, aquaculture, tourism, energy, and mining. Significantly, the coastal region accounts for more than half of Brazil’s gross domestic product (GDP), further emphasising its economic importance.

Objective

The Brazilian government is adopting an integrated approach to coastal and marine ecosystem management to improve biodiversity conservation, address climate change, and promote a sustainable blue economy.

Approach

The project focuses on improving the management and protection of Brazil’s coastal and marine ecosystems through several measures:

• It enhances coordination between the numerous human activities and interests in coastal and marine areas by developing and implementing Marine Spatial Planning and integrated coastal management. This involves providing training, improving access to scientific data, and facilitating multistakeholder engagement processes.
• The project supports the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) in creating national programmes to protect vulnerable marine and coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, while addressing major threats like climate change and plastic pollution.
• It enhances access to financial mechanisms for the conservation and eco-friendly use of coastal and marine ecosystems, and offers technical support for inclusive and gender-responsive sustainable blue economy initiatives.

Last update: September 2024