Blue Corridor is an initiative that seeks to protect and connect the first 8 nautical miles of Ecuador’s coastline, an essential marine ecosystem on which more than 22,000 artisanal fishing families directly depend. The initiative currently operates in 15 priority marine areas, where it has already achieved an expansion of 194,000 hectares (1,940 km²), and continues to expand into new strategic areas along the Ecuadorian coast.
In a context marked by overfishing and the accelerated degradation of marine habitats, the Blue Corridor combines effective conservation, applied science, and inclusive development through an integrated system of marine areas and ecological connectivity corridors.
The goal is for the Blue Corridor to be officially recognized as an OMEC (Other Effective Measures of Conservation), consolidating itself as an innovative model of marine governance.
IT'S A
KBA
IT'S A
KBA
Key Biodiversity Area:
A geographical site of global importance for biodiversity conservation.
We seek to conserve
378 species
critically
endangered
endangered
vulnerable
Social legitimacy and community participation
Willingness of fishermen to transition to sustainable fishing gear, with incentives, support, and equitable regulations.
Workshops, consultations, and visits to the territory built trust and social relevance.
Acceptance of the Blue Corridor is based on sustained awareness-raising and active listening.
PROGRESS
Institutions and Governance
- Ministry of Environment and Energy: technical cooperation for conservation and governance.
- Deputy Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries: coordination for sustainable fishing and modernization of the sector.
- DIRNEA: cooperation in maritime control, surveillance, and fisheries management.
- Creation of the Corredor Azul Strategic Committee as an official forum for coordination between the government, communities, and technical organizations.
Expansion of six Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the Blue Corridor, contributing to the fulfillment of the national 30×30 goal and the development of management plans:
- RM El Pelado
- RM Bajo Cope
- RV Isla Corazón y Fragata
- REMACAM
- ANR Playas Villamil
- RV Manglares El Morro
- Publication of the Management Plan for the Isla Corazón y Fragata
- Wildlife Refuge
PROJECT PILLARS
- Conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems
- Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS)
- Sustainable artisanal fishing
- Technical education and knowledge generation
- Social innovation and inclusion
- Governance, technical assistance, and project coordination
DONORS
Strategic allies for implementation
LANGUAGE
CONTACT
OFFICE
AV JOSÉ ORRANTIA 112
EDIFICIO AGORA 21
PISO 3 OFICINA 301
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR