Coastal500: local governments for global action

Coastal waters are home to 70% of the world’s marine biodiversity and support food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience for nearly 500 million people. But coastal ecosystems are facing a global decline in marine fish populations, driven largely by overfishing and a lack of management. Local government leaders are key decision-makers in the use, management, and protection of coastal resources; they enable the prioritization of community-based fisheries management, become the strongest advocates for fisheries reform, and significantly help advance policy and financial commitments for the sector.

Coastal 500 is the largest global network of mayors and local government leaders committed to working towards thriving and prosperous coastal communities. Connected by a shared vision and purpose, members pledge to prioritize and advocate for local fishers and communities, while also supporting biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and sustainability of marine resources. The network aims to mobilize 500+ leaders, representing a constituency of one million fishers, and dramatically shift the way communities, regions, and entire nations protect their coastal waters and manage fisheries.

The network is supported with SEK 2,650,000.

What does the project deliver?

– The existing Coastal500 network, which targets local decision-makers in coastal communities, is developed and expanded.
– Implementation of practical solutions through a combination of capacity building activities, training opportunities and exchanges for decision makers globally.
– A handbook that contains concrete tools and resources that support the implementation of local solutions is produced and distributed.

Why do we support this project?

By strengthening the ability of the local decision-makers to preserve and protect the oceans, the project will contribute to biological diversity and combat climate change.