We are COBI, born by and for the sea

More than 25 years committed to the future of our oceans and strong communities.

How our journey with the sea began

Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C. (COBI) was founded on March 15, 1999, driven by the vision of young people who admired marine life and were concerned about poverty levels in developing countries.

From the very beginning, COBI recognized that effective ocean conservation depends on close collaboration with the people who live by the sea and directly depend on it.

Today, with a solid strategy based on active participation, we promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences among women and men fishers, co-designing innovative solutions to build resilient communities and ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.

Our work

Our work is guided by strong principles that shape every action we take toward a sustainable future.

Mission

Promote marine conservation and the sustainable management of fisheries through effective participation.

Vision

Coastal communities use resources sustainably and take responsibility for conserving marine biodiversity.

Values

Integrity

We place our mission, vision, and values at the center of everything we do. We act with honesty, transparency, and firmness, maintaining our independence and avoiding being influenced by particular interests.

Learning and adaptation

We promote a culture of continuous learning in our team, understanding that only by doing so can we effectively adapt to internal and external changes. This makes our team capable of facing both the storm and the shipwreck.

Equality

We strive to ensure that all voices—especially those traditionally marginalized—are heard and have real influence in fisheries resource management. We actively work to balance power and opportunities to create a fairer and more equitable society.

Our commitment is global

Contributions to Mexico’s international commitments:

Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans.
Full compliance with 100% of the FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines to ensure the sustainability of small-scale fisheries, within the context of food security and poverty eradication.
Contribution to 50% of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 2020 under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water

Strategy 2020-2027

Through innovation, connectivity, and scaling, we work to ensure that current and future generations of women fishers, fishers, and fishing organizations in LAC use and share their knowledge to co-design and implement solutions with a human rights approach.

1. Innovation

This pillar drives collaborative solutions that strengthen the resilience of coastal communities and the health of oceans in the face of global and short-term changes.
2. Connectivity

A network that promotes, incubates, and accelerates solutions with financial sustainability.
3. Scaling

Finally, this pillar expands these efforts across Latin America and the Caribbean, integrating cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, youth participation, citizen science, and public policy — all unified under a human rights approach to achieve environmental and social justice.

Recognition of our work

2011 · Mexico Initiative Award

For our work in training commercial divers as monitors of marine fisheries and ecosystems.

2012 · Conservation Award, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Recognition of our commitment to the preservation of natural heritage.

2015 · Honorable Mention for Ecological Merit, SEMARNAT

Distinction awarded for contributing to environmental sustainability in Mexico.

2016 · Sonora Philanthropy Award

For our positive impact on coastal communities and marine conservation.

2023 · Xochitla Award, IX Edition

For our track record and achievements in the environmental field and in education for sustainability.

We are COBI, born by and for the sea

More than 25 years committed to the future of our oceans and strong communities.

How our journey with the sea began

Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C. (COBI) was founded on March 15, 1999, driven by the vision of young people who admired marine life and were concerned about poverty levels in developing countries.

From the very beginning, COBI recognized that effective ocean conservation depends on close collaboration with the people who live by the sea and directly depend on it.

Today, with a solid strategy based on active participation, we promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences among women and men fishers, co-designing innovative solutions to build resilient communities and ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.

Our work

Our work is guided by strong principles that shape every action we take toward a sustainable future.

Mission

Promote marine conservation and the sustainable management of fisheries through effective participation.

Vision

Coastal communities use resources sustainably and take responsibility for conserving marine biodiversity.

Values

Integrity

Learning and adaptation

Equality

Our commitment is global

Contributions to Mexico’s international commitments:

Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans.

Full compliance with 100% of the FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines to ensure the sustainability of small-scale fisheries, within the context of food security and poverty eradication.

Contribution to 50% of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 2020 under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 14: Life Below Water

Strategy 2020-2027

Through innovation, connectivity, and scaling, we work to ensure that current and future generations of women fishers, fishers, and fishing organizations in LAC use and share their knowledge to co-design and implement solutions with a human rights approach.

1. Innovation

2. Connectivity

3. Scaling