The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation

Founded in 1998, The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) is a recognized leader in practical methods of participatory, community and local government-based coastal resource management. CCEF works “on the ground”, primarily through local governments, with the people of the coastal communities who most directly benefit from a healthy marine ecosystem. CCEF continues to develop and disseminate tools, techniques and research for better marine resource management. It promotes an integrated coastal management approach that includes marine protected areas (MPAs) localized law enforcement and other participatory best practices.

CCEF’s desire to improve the quality of life of coastal communities has also led to providing social services above the shoreline, including:

• Coastal resource management and marine protected area management
• Reproductive health education and family planning
• Environment-friendly enterprises, such as marine ecotourism, seaweed farming, locally-based service   businesses and organizing drinking water supply systems
• Education related to environmental management, energy efficiency, governance and financial management.
• Information systems and geographical information systems
• Library services for all aspects of marine conservation, coastal management and development

In such tightly knit communities, daily life is inextricably linked to the marine environment. Helping the coral reef or mangrove ecosystem directly benefits the local community and vice versa.

CCEF’s core activity of developing local government expertise in coastal resource management has resulted in an increasing amount of advisory and contract work from governments, corporations and other NGOs. CCEF also hosts study tours for both national and international groups wishing to learn first hand how locally motivated coastal resource management is initiated and sustained. CCEF’s expertise has increased its participation in national-level MPA activities, contributing management tools such as the MPA Rating and Database System. CCEF continues to engage in strategic research efforts to help inform improved management and conservation of coastal and marine resources with a focus on coral reefs and fisheries.