Integrated Approaches Across GEF Focal Areas GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference June 23, 20005 Salvador Bahia, Brazil Integrated Approaches Across GEF Focal Areas Experiences and Lessons Learned in the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems Project (MBRS) Belize – Guatemala – Honduras - Mexico

Integration by Design The Project intentionally designed and implemented from a truly regional perspective Project skewed towards investments in transboundary areas All activities developed and implemented using the ‘good neighbor’/’common interest’ principle Bottom up approach crucial for securing regional political buy in Transboundary Commissions are key mechanisms for promoting harmonization of biodiversity regulations across borders

Integration of Biodiversity and International Waters Standardized methodology for environmental monitoring in international waters across four countries Standardized protocol for monitoring fish spawning aggregation sites in international waters across four countries

Integration of Biodiversity and International Waters Standardized Primary and Secondary School Curricula on the conservation of marine resources across four countries Standardized protocol for monitoring the effectiveness of MPA management in international waters across four countries

Integration of Biodiversity and International Waters Common Strategy for the Management of Spawning Aggregation Sites being developed for MBRS region Standardized training manuals for different aspects of MPA management for 17 MPAs across four countries

Integration of Biodiversity and International Waters Regional Cruise Ship Policy being developed for MBRS region Harmonized regulations and norms adopted by multiple countries for coastal and marine resource use in the areas of MPAs, fisheries and tourism

Princess Margaret Drive For more information Please contact: MBRS Project Princess Margaret Drive P.O. Box 93 Belize City, Belize Tel. (501)-223-3895; Fax. (501)-223-4513 E-mail: mbrs@btl.net Website: www.mbrs.org.bz