"We support the organization with unrestricted funds because we trust its commitment to marine conservation on Guatemala’s coasts—and flexibility strengthens its impact, sustainability, and ability to protect our oceans alongside coastal communities in the long term."
Fundación Mundo Azul works to protect an ocean at risk. In Guatemala, sharks and rays face growing threats such as overfishing and habitat destruction, while many coastal communities live in poverty and depend on the sea to survive.
An estimated 25,000 sharks are caught each year in Guatemalan waters, and at least 11 species are threatened: 4 critically endangered, 2 endangered, and 5 vulnerable. Conserving these species and building sustainable economic alternatives is urgent to secure a balanced future for marine life and for those who depend on the ocean.
We support 9 coastal communities in Guatemala in the conservation of sharks, rays, and marine–coastal ecosystems. Through science, education, and sustainable livelihoods, we work for the wellbeing of people who depend on the sea and of species that have no voice—because their future is ours too.
Our model
Our work promotes knowledge and the protection of sharks, rays, and chimaeras through environmental education, scientific information, and stronger technical capacity across sectors. We foster civic participation, advance public policy, and promote sustainable economic alternatives with a gender lens.
Our ultimate impact aims to ensure sustainable populations of sharks and rays and their ecosystems, support national fisheries management, and diversify livelihoods in coastal communities.
About us
A decade ago, Fundación Mundo Azul was born from a deep love of the sea and sharks. Today we lead an integrated vision that combines science, conservation, and community development, protecting marine–coastal ecosystems and building a fairer, more sustainable future for those who depend on the ocean.
Our mission
To contribute to the sustainability of marine–coastal resources and artisanal fisheries in Guatemala, the eastern Pacific, and the Mesoamerican Reef System.
Impact
0
Partner communities
0
Scholarships awarded
0
Years monitoring Caribbean landings
0
Years monitoring Pacific landings
0
Projects implemented
0
Scientific publications
0
People reached through awareness
Action sites
Local reach
- Ciudad de Guatemala
- Sarstún
- Livingston
- Santa María del Mar
- El Quetzalito
- Las Lisas
- El Dormido
- Buena Vista
- Puerto San José
- Sipacate
- Champerico
Regional reach
- Mesoamerican Reef System
- Eastern Pacific
Social focus
- Coastal communities
- Cities
- Children and youth
- Academia
- Public sector
- Private sector
Ecosystem focus
- Reefs
- Seagrass
- Mangroves
Testimonials
"I am very grateful to FUNMZ for more than seven years of support. Thanks to the scholarship I finished third grade—something that means a lot to me and my family. My parents are proud; they always dreamed of seeing me succeed."
"With the data we record every day, FUNMZ can analyze catch trends over time. That helps make better decisions on how to manage fisheries and protect species."
Your support can
change the course
of the sea
With your help, Fundación Mundo Azul will keep bringing science where it is most needed, protecting sharks and rays, and building a dignified future for ocean communities. Every action counts. Join the conservation that changes lives.
#CONOCEAMACONSERVA
Blog
Stories, news and insights on marine conservation and coastal communities.
Beekeeping in the Mangroves of Guatemala’s Caribbean Coast
Beekeeping, as a sustainable activity, can provide alternative sources of income for coastal communities, reducing their dependence on fishing and strengthening their resilience to various economic a…
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Beekeeping in the Mangroves of Guatemala’s Caribbean Coast
Beekeeping, as a sustainable activity, can provide alternative sources of income for coastal communities, reducing their dependence on fishing and strengthening their resilience to various economic a…
Read more
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