CORESCAM objectives
CORESCAM is a scientific project focused on the coastal and marine ecosystems (mangroves and reefs) of Central America and the Caribbean, with three main lines of action:
CORESCAM is a scientific project focused on the coastal and marine ecosystems (mangroves and reefs) of Central America and the Caribbean, with three main lines of action:
With the help of our regional and international partners, and counting on their experience and long-term data (1980 – 2020), CORESCAM aims to:
▪ Ecological variables: structure (canopy and coral coverage), species composition (biodiversity of mangroves, birds, corals, and fish) and functionality (primary productivity of forests and reefs).
▪ Ecosystem services: carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, food security with commercial species of nutritional value such as fish.
Mangrove restoration zone in a protected natural area, Sian Ka’an, Mexico. Source: Jorge Herrera, CINVESTAV-Mérida Unit (Mexico).
✔ How have extreme weather events varied in the region in the period from 1980 – 2020? What climate metrics are most informative?
✔ Are we losing the capacity for recovery (resilience) of these ecosystems?
✔ How are the ecosystem services (protection against hurricanes, fighting rising sea levels, provision of food such as commercial fish and shellfish) that these ecosystems provide affected?
✔ What regions are most affected?
✔ After being damaged by extreme weather events, what are the factors that contribute to the recovery or loss of mangroves and reefs?
The rich experience of our partners in the governance of the coast and coastal and marine natural resources, as well as in national and regional Public Policies concerning risk reduction, coastal planning and biodiversity conservation bolsters CORESCAM, which aims to:
Foster the restoration of degraded mangroves and reefs:
Foster the conservation of mangroves and reefs:
In the background, wind turbines from the Dzilam Bravo Wind Farm (Yucatán, Mexico) and young mangroves in a protected natural area. Source: Jorge Herrera, CINVESTAV-Mérida Unit (Mexico).
✔ What is the legal protection of mangroves and reefs in the Caribbean?
✔ What improvements can be suggested to make coastal and marine ecosystems more visible and protected?
✔ What steps should be taken so that the communities that protect the mangroves and reefs can receive payment for their environmental services?
✔ What role does climate insurance play in promoting mangrove and reef restoration?
✔ What recommendations can be made to governments and donor agencies so that mangroves and reefs are included as ‘Green Infrastructure’ in risk reduction programs, and in financing programs for reconstruction after extreme events?
Making the most of the infrastructure available at our partners’ facilities (e.g. museums, NASA Hyperwall screen, convention halls, etc.) and their connections with educational groups (e.g. environmental education programs), CORESCAM aims to:
Local fisherman among the mangroves of the Gulf of Chiriquí (Panama). Source: Steven Paton, Smithsonian Tropical Research.
✔ What does civil society know about mangroves and tropical reefs in the Caribbean? What could we teach them? What could they do?
✔ What experiences exist in the region with successful initiatives of mangrove and reef conservation? What lessons learned can be shared with governments?
✔ What other projects and partners exist in the region working on similar issues? How can we collaborate?
✔ What data could be shared in high-influence meetings to alert governments around the globe to the need for urgent action?