GLF Reaffirms Its Commitment to Marine Conservation at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference
, June 13, 2025
Galápagos Life Fund (GLF) participated in the event “Ecuador’s Hermandad Marine Reserve: When the Puzzle Pieces of the Puzzle are in Place”, held as part of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice, France. The event was organized by Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE) to highlight the country’s progress and reaffirm its commitment to marine conservation—particularly in advancing the consolidation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve (HMR).
“We want Hermandad to serve as a model of effective, inclusive, and sustainable management—where the protection of marine ecosystems goes hand in hand with the well-being of the coastal communities that depend on the sea,” said Daniela Limongi, Vice Minister of Environment, who led the session.
During the event, Ecuador officially announced the submission of the nomination dossier to UNESCO for HMR to be designated as a Biosphere Reserve, along with its candidacy for World Heritage Site status. Both are key steps toward establishing the first Transboundary Biosphere Reserve within the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, in coordination with Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama.
As one of Ministry’s strategic partners, GLF reaffirmed its commitment to funding community-led initiatives, strengthening marine governance, and implementing innovative financial mechanisms. GLF Executive Director Mónica Calvopiña stated: “The Hermandad Reserve proves that when there is will, collaboration, and forward-thinking vision, marine conservation is possible. In Galápagos, we are building local solutions with global impact.”
GLF will continue to coordinate technical and financial efforts with its partners to contribute to the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030—positioning Galápagos as a global benchmark for science-based, inclusive, and sustainable marine conservation.
