The Observatory for Marine and Coastal Governance - Center for Social and Environmental Studies,

The Observatory for Coastal Marine Governance – Center for Social and Environmental Studies is a civil society organization, without political affiliation, dedicated to research, education, and support to local communities with regards to marine justice and climate action, coastal marine governance, artisanal fishing, and environmental education about the oceans. Their work is inspired by the principles of environmental sustainability and environmental justice, and respect for human rights. The organization seeks to contribute to the building of capacities of the communities that inhabit coastal territories, the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, and the promotion of equitable and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity. Their work seeks to contribute to citizen participation in the governance of marine and coastal territories and their ecosystems, and thus strengthen the rule of law, institutions and public policy measures to protect local coastal communities and marine and coastal territories. Also, they seek to contribute to positioning the concept of marine justice and ecosystem-based adaptation in discussion of climate change. This is based on the consideration that factors such as poverty, geographic location, lack of state capacity and discrimination in all its manifestations increase the risks and adverse effects of natural disasters and climate change, including environmental displacement. They help develop skills and capacities for people to defend their rights and advocate before the authorities to take these and other factors into account.