In a major step forward for participatory marine conservation, a new marine protected area has been designated in Santa Rosa de Aguán, Colón, Honduras. Covering 309 km² of ocean and coastal waters, the site has been formally recognised as a ‘Site of Importance for Wildlife’ through a municipal ordinance passed on 28 March 2025.

The new MPA is the fourth in Colón to be co-managed by local communities and will give small-scale fishers exclusive access to fish within 12 nautical miles of shore. Once adopted into national law, this designation will complete a network of locally co-managed marine protected areas in the region – a key milestone in advancing inclusive, sustainable ocean governance.

Becht Foundation is proud to support Rare in this work.