Under the sea
Coastal wetlands, lagoons, mangrove forests and seagrass beds provide habitat for numerous coral and fish species, and act as an important defense against storms and coastal erosion.
It is also home to one of the world's largest population of manatees, mammoth whale sharks, several species of marine turtles and other amazing marine life.
Reef protectionAlthough the Mesoamerican Reef has managed to survive the intensity of seasonal tropical storms, it may not be so well prepared to withstand the impact of people.
Coastal development, unregulated tourism, pollution and overfishing threaten the reef system.
Climate change is another serious problem.
WWF is working in Central America with coastal communities on the ground and in the water to reduce the reef's vulnerability to these ongoing threats.
Protecting this Caribbean treasure is a conservation priority.
Surviving climate change
This will affect the reef's fragile biodiversity and the millions of people who depend on it for their livelihoods.
WWF is working with coastal communities along the reef to develop climate change adaptation strategies. This includes coral reef and mangrove forest conservation and restoration, and establishing marine protected areas.