RELEASE: Colombia Commits to Sustainable Management of All National Waters by 2030; Joins the 100% Alliance

San José, Costa Rica (April 21, 2026) - Colombia today committed to sustainably manage all of its national waters by 2030, becoming the latest member of the 100% Alliance. The declaration was made by Colombia's Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, who highlighted the ocean's strategic importance for the country's development and the urgency of advancing their protection.

Colombia's national waters cover almost 1 million square kilometers, spanning both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. These rich and biodiverse waters account for around half of the country's national jurisdiction. As part of its strategy to safeguard these marine ecosystems, the government announced the creation of new marine protected areas in 2025 - Serranilla and Bajo Nuevo in the Caribbean totaling approximately 3,800 square kilometers.

The 100% Alliance calls on all coastal and ocean states to commit to 100% sustainable ocean management of their national waters by 2030. The initiative is led by Australia and Chile, in partnership with the Ocean Panel and coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI). This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and the global 30x30 target, which aims to protect at least 30% of the planet.

As part of this commitment, Colombia will develop a Sustainable Ocean Plan, a framework that will allow for a balance between environmental conservation and the economic development of sectors such as fishing, tourism, and maritime transport.

The announcement was made during a meeting convened by CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and WRI, which brought together governments, international organizations, and financial stakeholders to strengthen ocean governance in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Colombia's commitment to the 100% Alliance sends a strong signal of leadership and growing momentum to sustainably manage the ocean to benefit their people and economies," said Cynthia Barzuna, Deputy Director of WRI's Ocean Program. "Almost 40 percent of the world's ocean lies within national jurisdictions, putting countries at the center of how this critical resource is protected and used. When managed well, the ocean can help tackle major challenges by providing renewable energy, sustainable jobs and nutritious food, while also playing a critical role in reducing climate change."

About 100% Alliance
The 100% Alliance calls on all coastal and ocean states to commit to sustainably manage 100% of ocean areas under national jurisdiction. The campaign is led by the governments of Australia and Chile, in partnership with the Ocean Panel, and coordinated by World Resources Institute. Its ultimate aim is to ensure that all ocean areas under national jurisdiction are sustainably managed by 2030. Learn more about 100% Alliance here.

About World Resources Institute
WRI works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.