Nature’s Benefits: Latin America’s Fisheries and Tourism Delivered to Society by Valuable Ecosystem Services

Marine and coastal ecosystems provide valuable biotrade resources and investment opportunities throughout Latin America. Mangrove forests, coastal wetlands, estuaries, coral reefs, sea grass beds, macroalgae assemblages and upwelling areas all support social cohesion, leisure, and economic activities in the region. Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and marine eco-tourism, are two sectors that are entirely supported by coastal ecosystems. In addition, these coastal and marine habitats contribute to culture and identity, support agriculture, mitigate the effects of climate change, provide educational opportunities, and safeguard sacred sites. These ecosystem services are currently undervalued, yet their contribution toa healthy planet, income generation, national economies, and a positive climate change agenda is significant – and cannot by substituted.