Colombia

Guarding the sea and its marine ecosystems against the dangers of ghost fishing gear and other human-made waste

Organisation

Fundación para la Investigación y Conservación Biológica Marina – ECOMARES

Website

Support area

Conservation of biodiversity

Funding

78217.70 €

Project duration

Aug, 2025 – Aug, 2026

The Gulf of Tribugá, a crucial marine ecosystem in Colombia, supports over 7,000 residents dependent on fishing and tourism. Threatened by unsustainable practices and ghost fishing gear, biodiversity and livelihoods are at risk. In 2024, ECOMARES enhanced a local initiative and launched the community-based Ghost Fishing Strategy. This strategy features the “Guardians of the Sea” certified divers who remove ghost gear from reefs and raise awareness. In 2025 and 2026, ECOMARES will empower local communities by enhancing the diving group’s organisational capacity, incorporating women in training, improving communication about ghost fishing, and establishing upcycling pathways, ultimately contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Capacity development

In addition to providing of funding, IKI Small Grants supports ECOMARES in their organisational capacity through:

Carrying out a gender-based analysis of the current context in the Gulf of Tribugá, including guidelines for environmental projects.
Developing of an online training on gender equity and gender-based approach for environmental conservation projects for members of Ecomares.
In-person training on gender equity and gender approach to environmental conservation for members of the Guardians of the Sea and local community leaders of the Gulf of Tribugá.

About the organisation

ECOMARES is a Colombian non-profit organization founded in 2009, dedicated to marine and coastal biodiversity conservation. Through research, restoration, and collaboration with local communities, they advance science-based solutions to support resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods, drawing on an international network of researchers and conservation practitioners.