Marine and coastal territories of life in Mesoamerica: A legal analysis from the perspectives of small-scale fisheries

<jats:p>This study presents a socio-legal review of emblematic marine, coastal, and lake territories of life in Mesoamerica. The study is part of a process led by CoopeSoliDar R.L. and TICCA Mesoamerica with diverse regional allies. Allied organizations part of this process in the region include LARECOTURH in Honduras, Nuiwari in Mexico, UPESABO, Sindicato de Trabajadores del Mar (Sitramar), and Ngäbe Bugle (Ngäbe Bugle Marine Workers Union) in Panama, and a variety of small-scale fisheries (SSF) organizations that accompanied this process with their knowledge and work. SSF organizations involved in this process are: A) Costa Rica: Network of Marine Areas for Responsible Fishing and Marine Territories of Life B) Honduras: Cayos Cochinos Marine and Coastal Territory of Life C) México: Boca de Camichín Oyster Community D) Nicaragua: Mayangna (Sumo) Awas Tingni Indigenous Community E) Panamá: Emberá Bayano, Ngäbe Buglé, and Afrodescendent Bocas del Toro Territories of Life Different common socio-legal questions were analyzed for each emblematic marine territory of life, depending on the context in which people live and the issues they face with legal mechanisms. In terms of livelihoods and economies, the analysis considered matters related to small-scale fisheries and the governance mechanisms recognized in each territory of life. With regards to tenure rights, it considered different ways of recognizing rights in ancestral territories and access to marine, coastal, and lake resources. Regarding rights to free, prior, and informed consent, it considered the existence and participation of such mechanisms for issues related to small-scale fisheries. Regarding conformity with international standards, it analyzed the status and respect for human rights recognized by ILO Convention 169, formally known as the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169). The study reviewed each country’s legal framework regarding the aspects mentioned above. It identified the socio-legal situation of each territory of life and assessed whether it is reflected in the reality on the ground. If the legal status is not adequately translated into the situation on the ground, the study considered whether new proposals are needed to help people exercise their rights and support a vision of human rights in the conservation and development of these territories. Within the framework of the vision and objectives of CoopeSoliDar R.L. and TICCA Mesoamerica, these emblematic territories of life in Mesoamerica have been selected for close accompaniment to support local fishing, Indigenous, and Afro-descendant communities in defending and strengthening their human rights.</jats:p>