BLUE WORLD
MISSION
Contribute to the sustainability of the marine and coastal resources and the artisanal fisheries of Guatemala, the Eastern Pacific, and Mesoamerican Reef by developing relevant knowledge, advocating for public policies, and improving the quality of life in coastal communities.
VISION
A Guatemala, Eastern Pacific, and Mesoamerican Caribbean where people deeply understand and value their marine and coastal environments and proactively safeguard them as essential foundations for social equity, environmental health, and economic resilience. A future where coastal community thrive in harmony with the sea, benefiting both people and marine biodiversity.
VALUES
RESPECT
For communities, diversity, and nature.
INTEGRITY
Commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
INNOVATION
Driven by science, technology, and leadership.
INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION
Of communities and key stakeholders, especially women and youth.
SUSTAINABILITY
A long-term vision to ensure sustainable impact.
CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
Applied research for conservation
To generate scientific information that advances the current state of knowledge on sharks, rays, and other fisheries to influence decision-making at various levels in all sectors and to strengthen conservation and management measures in the medium and long term.
Environmental education, community development, and leadership for conservation
To contribute, through education and leadership, to the building of environmentally and socially responsible societies that promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, in particular commercially important species and the ecosystems upon which they rely on.
Citizen awareness and public policy
Contribute to the conservation of fishery resources in Guatemala (Caribbean and Pacific) and the MAR region, mainly sharks, rays, and chimeras, through the promotion of public policies and a more appro- priate regulatory framework and the creation of public awareness.
OUR TEAM
Meet the team that’s making change possible
Elisa Areano
Executive Director
A decade ago, Elisa founded Blue World Foundation inspired by her deep love for the sea and sharks. Today, we lead a comprehensive vision that unites science, conservation, and community development to protect marine-coastal ecosystems and build a fairer and more sustainable future for those who depend on the ocean.
Marielos Rosales
Coordinator of Environmental Education, Community Development and Leadership
Coordinates, writes, implements and executes environmental educational and community development projects in the Pacific and Caribbean coastal communities of Guatemala, strengthening local capacities for marine-coastal resource conservation.
Juan Carlos Pérez
Scientific Advisor
Provides strategic and technical guidance across all areas of the organization’s marine conservation work. His responsibilities include leading the development of funding proposals and scientific publications, ensuring that research activities are aligned with conservation priorities.
Support the team in the design, implementation, and evaluation of field projects, particularly those related to the protection of elasmobranchs and critical coastal habitats.
Luis Chinchilla
Accounting and Finance Professional
With 36 years of experience in general accounting, internal and external audits, internal control, budget execution, and financial analysis. Leader in ERP implementation, fiscal, tax and labor planning, and preparation of audited reports for profit and nonprofit organizations.
Julio Sánchez
Applied Research Coordinator
Leads artisanal fisheries monitoring in Guatemala, deep-water chondrichthyan (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) sampling in the Caribbean, and hammerhead shark tagging efforts in the Pacific. Actively promotes community participation and contributes to scientific publications on marine conservation.
Belén Chacón
Applied Research Technician
Biologist engaged in research and community outreach to support the conservation of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) in coastal areas.
Jessica Hernández
Field Technician in the Pacific region
Conducts monitoring of artisanal fishing landings in Las Lisas, follows up on trawl vessel monitoring, and supports tagging activities.
Lucia Guerrero
Environmental Education Technician
She leads workshops in schools and Shark Club in Las Lisas and Sipacate.
Karen Sapón
Environmental Education Technician
Promotes marine conservation and environmental education while leading sustainable beekeeping initiatives in fishing communities along the Guatemalan Caribbean.
Zahida García
Communications Coordinator
Managing institutional communication to inspire, educate, and mobilize the foundation’s work with communities and key allies, aiming to raise visibility of marine conservation efforts.