Published in the Official Gazette (‘Diario Oficial de la Federación’) the plan sets out a comprehensive framework to sustainably manage 100% of Mexico’s Exclusive Economic Zone, an area covering 3.27 million km2. It sets out a long-term vision that translates Mexico’s international commitments into concrete, measurable, and coordinated actions, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Working with local communities, stakeholders and government departments, the new plan is designed to ensure a balance is struck between protection and sustainable production from the ocean – recognising that a healthy ocean is essential for biodiversity, livelihoods, economic development and the well-being of present and future generations.
Developed by the Inter-Ministerial Commission for the Sustainable Management of Seas and Coasts (CIMARES), led by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the plan brings together the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), Energy, Economy and Tourism among others to work together to ensure policy coherence across sectors. It is the result of more than two years of sustained technical and inter-institutional work, as well as an unprecedented consultation process involving a wide range of actors. The Plan integrates strategic national priorities such as sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, blue tourism, the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, and the strengthening of ocean science and knowledge.
The plan has six main objectives:
- To preserve, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems, strengthening protected areas and increasing resilience to climate change.
- To foster responsible ocean industries from fisheries and aquaculture to tourism, maritime transport, and renewable ocean energy.
- To integrate coastal ecosystems into national climate strategies, with a focus on adaptation and the potential of blue carbon.
- To promote ocean literacy, celebrating Mexico’s rich maritime heritage, and deepening community engagement.
- To strengthen the legal and administrative frameworks that can ensure strong enforcement, accountability, and transparency.
- To mobilise financial resources, building capacity to support sustainable development and effective ocean management.
The launch follows a recent regional joint-learning event, “Toward a 100% Sustainable Ocean: Ocean Planning and Regional Action post-UNOC3” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) in Mexico City. The event helped strengthen regional cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean to promote Sustainable Ocean Plans as a key tool to protect marine biodiversity, support a sustainable ocean economy and integrate the ocean into decision-making.
With this plan now in place, Mexico joins 10 fellow Ocean Panel members in advancing holistic ocean management, contributing to the global effort to ensure that oceans remain healthy, productive and resilient.
Globally, Ocean Panel members call on all coastal and ocean states to commit to sustainably manage 100% of ocean areas under national jurisdiction through the 100% Alliance.
