Mexico's marine playground

Project aim: Sustainable use of natural resources and protection of marine and coastal biodiversity.
Project implementation: The BIOMAR project is a collaboration between German development agency GIZ, Mexico's national park authorities CONANP, indigenous communities and public agencies. Its aim is to expand successful models environmental protection.
Project size: The Gulf of California stretches for more than 1,200 kilometers along Mexico's western coast. The area is already home to 18 national parks.
Project volume: The International Climate Initiative (ICI) has provided around 9.4 million euros to the project.
Biological diversity: The Gulf of California is one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. It's home to 99 reptile and 875 fish species. Around 25 percent of all marine mammal species live here.

The Gulf of California is a biological wonderland. Whales, dolphins and sea turtles cavort in its waters, while crocodiles lounge in the surrounding mangrove forests. But overfishing, poaching and logging are threatening this unique ecosystem. Getting locals on board is key to protecting it.   

A film by Joanna Gottschalk