Through scientific research, environmental education, and community participation, Latin American cities are strengthening their commitment to ocean health and coastal sustainability as part of UNESCO’s Ocean Cities Network.
Over the past year, the Ocean Cities Network has gained significant momentum in Latin America, where new initiatives are demonstrating how science, education, and civic engagement can transform the way cities relate to the ocean.
In recent months, cities such as Ensenada (Baja California, Mexico) through the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE); Buenos Aires through the Center for Sea and Atmosphere Research (CIMA-CONICET); and Antioquia (Colombia) via the University of Antioquia, have implemented exemplary actions aimed at restoring ecosystems, improving water quality, addressing coastal erosion, and strengthening environmental awareness in their communities.
Key achievements include large-scale beach cleanups that mobilized hundreds of volunteers to remove tons of marine debris; participatory environmental monitoring programs using accessible scientific tools; and innovative green solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change in vulnerable coastal areas.
Educational activities have played a central role in these efforts—from school programs focused on water protection and marine biodiversity to university courses on sustainable coastal planning—promoting a critical, science-based understanding of marine challenges.
An emphasis on environmental justice and gender equity has also been essential, highlighting the important role of women and girls in science and environmental leadership.
These projects have further prioritized the integration of traditional knowledge from coastal communities with the latest scientific tools. Citizen-led environmental monitoring networks have been established in rural areas of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, producing valuable data and strengthening local governance. At the same time, coastal simulation models and artificial wetlands are being implemented as nature-based solutions to enhance urban resilience against pollution and flooding.
This convergence of knowledge, experiences, and methodologies shows that the shift toward ocean-friendly cities is not only possible—it is already happening. The progress achieved during this consolidation phase of the Ocean Cities Network in Latin America demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary and multi-level cooperation to address the major challenges of the Anthropocene.
Beyond national borders, these cities are united by a shared vision: building a sustainable future from the coast, where science, education, and citizen participation are the pillars of a new “blue pact.” The Ocean Cities Network continues to grow, proving that it is possible to live in harmony and resilience alongside the ocean.