Central America, with more than 5,500 km of coastline and an extraordinary diversity of marine ecosystems, is a true marine biodiversity hotspot. It is home to high levels of endemism and rich coastal cultures, but also faces critical threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Despite its ecological importance and the growing efforts of researchers and ocean advocates in the region, Central America has often remained underrepresented in global ocean forums like OOS and UNOC-3.
This year, however, was different. Both conferences saw a strong and meaningful presence of Central American voices, including local scientists, policy advocates, and representatives from the region’s Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) network. The participation of our Central American node in both conferences marked a significant step forward. Coordinators and delegates took active roles in discussions about ocean literacy, capacity development, and regional inclusivity. Their presence helped spotlight the vital contributions that Central American ocean professionals are making to the Ocean Decade and to the broader fight for a healthier, more equitable ocean. These are some of their experiences:
Xochitl Édua Elias Ilosvay – ECOP Central American node coordinator
I had the opportunity to participate in the OOSC, not only to present my research as a scientist from the University of Vigo, but also as a representative of ECOP Central America, co-moderating the session “Capacity Development in the UN Ocean Decade ECOP Programme: Successes, Challenges, and Ways Forward.”
It was a really meaningful space to discuss some of the main challenges that early-career professionals face, especially those of us coming from underrepresented regions. In our session, three big barriers stood out: visa denials (which affected nearly half of respondents in one way or another), lack of funding, particularly for people over 30, and the language barriers that still impact so many of us.
Unfortunately, these aren’t just abstract issues. I saw one of them play out in real time during the conference. A researcher from El Salvador, who had already overcome huge obstacles just to attend, like getting funding and a visa, wasn’t allowed to present because she wanted to present in Spanish. Her presentation could have been informally translated by peers but still her participation was denied. This experience highlighted the kind of inequality that still limits full participation for many, especially those coming from the Global South.
What I took from this experience is that, while there’s still a long way to go, there’s also been real progress. Spaces like OOSC are starting to open up more for voices from Central America and other historically excluded regions. We’re being heard more than before, and that matters. But we also need to keep pushing for change.
Paola Díaz- ECOP Honduras coordinator
My participation in UNOC3 had several positive aspects, especially in terms of networking, learning about global initiatives, and finding opportunities to collaborate with other projects. The passion was inspiring. However, it also highlighted persistent challenges that should no longer be issues at this stage, such as the lack of language inclusivity, with little to no translation available in sessions. There was limited visibility and dedicated space for important groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, Indigenous communities, and women across all age groups. While ECOPs are highly capable and qualified, many still face unpaid roles and limited funding. Lastly, communication within the network needs improvement, as many groups exist but with little real connection between them.
Andrea Herrera – ECOP Central America, Capacity Development Regional Coord.
During UNOC3, I had the honor of participating as one of the panelists at the joint side-event co-organized by the ECOP Programme, EU4Ocean, and MENA Oceans, hosted at the UNESCO Ocean Literacy Pavilion. This side-event, called “Ocean Literacy Practices: Knowing, Feeling, Acting for the Ocean”, showcased Global Ocean Literacy Best Practices through a series of three panels—Knowing, Feeling, and Acting—and audience engagement. The event wove a narrative of collaboration and offered tangible support on how to build a more profound and multi-dimensional connection with the ocean through diverse knowledge systems, emotional resonance, activism, advocacy, and inclusive partnerships.
I shared my current master’s research in blue shark photo-identification in the Azores Archipelago at the Marine Science Institute OKEANOS–University of Azores. I highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in academia, as well as the actions we’re taking at ECOP Central America to include everyone in the “knowing” phase, in my role as regional coordinator for the Capacity and Development Hub and as a team member of the ECOP Central America Node.
Consequently, I was also a guest panelist at the official virtual UN side event called “Ocean Solutions in Action: Early Career Ocean Professionals Bridging Science with Policy and Community-Based Action.” The panel’s primary focus was to share strategies for advancing applied, transdisciplinary, and community-engaged research, discuss pathways for translating science into effective policy and action, and offer advice for fellow ECOPs navigating these critical intersections. Nature Now International, Migramar, ECOP Central America, Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, and Stanford’s new student-led Ocean Science and Policy Group organized this virtual side event.
In this opportunity, I showcased the ways young professionals navigate the interfaces between science and politics, shared the vision of the ECOP Central America Node, and discussed the challenges that ECOPs face in these spaces, highlighting how language inclusion, job placement, and formal recognition of young professionals is essential and is lacking at present. Furthermore, alongside my teammate Viviana Páez, we shared the innovative initiative between MigraMar and ECOP Central America in the creation and launch of the Marine Migratory Species Network (REMM) for Latin America. This network of young professionals aims to bridge the intergenerational knowledge gap, spread opportunities in the region, and advance cross-sector collaboration, supporting initiatives regarding the conservation of marine migratory species in the area. As a young ocean professional, I can say it is fundamental to be welcomed in these spaces and contribute to the ongoing ocean conversation. These events were an example of it and deserve more replication and to be used as a reference for future events. Let’s keep riding the wave and keep the post-UNOC momentum going.
Maria de los Angeles Schoenbeck Yanes – Guatemala Node Coordinator
I had the opportunity to moderate the panel “4 Years of the UN Ocean Decade Programme for Early Career Ocean Professionals: Achievements, Insights and Ways Ahead” during UNOC in Nice.
The session spotlighted key tools and approaches developed by the ECOP Programme since its launch in 2021, including a thriving global network of over 7,200 members across 166 countries, more than 50 national and regional nodes, 6 thematic task teams, dynamic stakeholder maps, and curated databases. The panel highlighted diverse strategies implemented by ECOP node coordinators to engage and manage activities across regions, particularly in multilingual continents like Asia, where outreach must be adapted to diverse cultural and linguistic contexts. The discussion emphasized the pressing need to create meaningful job opportunities for early career ocean professionals. While many island nations in the Pacific are surrounded by the ocean, access to ocean-related employment remains a major challenge. Finally, the Ocean Literacy Series was highlighted as a powerful initiative that shares inspiring stories of successful local actions from around the world, fostering collaboration and raising awareness about ocean sustainability.
Concluding thoughts
What we witnessed throughout these events was a strong sense of collaboration and urgency. The vibrant synergies between different groups only prove that there’s a real willingness to act now and work collectively towards a better future for our ocean. Young ocean professionals, for example, from regions like Central America, showed up with powerful, community-rooted initiatives that deserve recognition. ECOPs are passionate, dedicated, and already making important contributions to the Ocean Decade. The Global South is not falling behind; we are here, and we are showing up. But many continue to face systemic barriers that prevent full participation. The lack of representation in decision-making, unpaid high-skill roles, and language exclusion are just a few. English is still treated as a gatekeeper. Progress has been made, but there’s more to be done. At ECOP Central America, we will keep working to amplify these voices, voices that are often overlooked but are essential to building the ocean we want.