ENVIRONMENT | Coastal 500 expands global network beyond 500 local leaders
The organization said Coastal 500 currently supports more than 2,000 coastal communities and contributes to food security efforts benefiting nearly four million people.
Coastal 500, a global network of mayors and local government leaders focused on sustainable fisheries and coastal management, is expanding its membership after surpassing its original target of 500 members this year.
Established in June 2021 and supported by international conservation organization Rare, the network now includes more than 500 local leaders from eight countries: Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Micronesia, Mozambique, Palau and the Philippines.
Rare said the Philippines accounts for nearly 100 members of the network, which aims to strengthen coastal governance, improve fisheries management and support food security in coastal communities.
The organization said Coastal 500 currently supports more than 2,000 coastal communities and contributes to food security efforts benefiting nearly four million people.
“Coastal 500 flips the script,” said Rocky Sanchez-Tirona, managing director for regional programs at Rare. “It shifts the heavy lifting of coastal management away from distant national offices and places it squarely in the hands of the communities who literally live and die by how their marine resources are managed.”
Members of the network sign a public pledge committing to support healthy and sustainable fishing communities while sharing experiences and best practices with other local leaders.
Among the network’s newest members is Quinapondan, Eastern Samar Mayor Leo Jasper Candido, who has introduced programs that provide insurance coverage and livelihood support for registered fishers and their families.
“I decided to protect our fishers on several fronts,” Candido said. “Our hope is that even if a breadwinner can no longer provide, his or her family will still survive.”
Tudela, Cebu Mayor Greman Solante said collaboration among local governments is one of the network’s strengths.
“There are thousands of mayors and leaders like me,” Solante said. “If we work together and inspire each other, we can accomplish so much.”
Libertad, Antique Vice Mayor Mary Jean Te said the network has helped local governments exchange ideas and share successful initiatives, including digital governance programs.
“The solution to challenges we’re facing in our coastal communities might already have been perfected by a mayor across the sea,” Te said.
In 2023, Coastal 500 was named among the 15 finalists for the Earthshot Prize, an environmental awards program launched by Prince William, for its community-based approach to coastal management.
Rare said the network’s next phase will focus on expanding participation in additional coastal regions and engaging more local leaders beyond its current areas of operation.
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