Here's how this small Mexican town revived its overfished coral reef

Cabo Pulmo, a small Mexican village in the Gulf of California, transformed its dying reef into a thriving marine haven—becoming a model for a new conservation approach called Marine Prosperity Areas (MPpAs).

In 1995, locals pushed for Cabo Pulmo to become a national park and enforced a ‘no take’ zone. Over the next two decades, ocean biomass quadrupled, endangered species like the gulf grouper returned, and shark populations grew tenfold.

As fishing rebounded outside protected areas, residents embraced ecotourism, generating nearly $8 million annually. MPpAs pair ocean protection with investments in livelihoods, like snorkelling ventures or sustainable aquaculture.

MPpAs aim to ensure local support by showing how marine protection can also preserve cultural heritage and create new paths to prosperity. This community-first model increases the chances of long-term success.

Mexico plans to create 10 more MPpAs by 2030, backed by Fundación Coppel. As the world works toward protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, MPpAs could play a vital role in combining biodiversity goals with human development.