Gulf of California Fund


A long-term financing mechanism of non-endowment and endowment assets

The Project

The Gulf of California Fund  (FGC, acronym in Spanish) aims to conserve the network of marine-coastal ecosystems representative of the Gulf of California and the North Pacific by channeling resources to initiatives in Protected Areas (PAs) and their areas of influence. 

Context

The FGC is a long-term financing mechanism whose vision is to contribute to healthy and interconnected marine-coastal ecosystems in the Gulf of California and the North Pacific to provide ecosystem goods and services. The FGC is comprised of non-endowment and endowment assets. 

In 2009, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Conservation International, through the Global Conservation Fund, and the Marisla Foundation, through the International Community Foundation, contributed to the FGC's endowment resources. The interests support management and conservation efforts in four priority marine protected areas of the Gulf of California: Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve, Canales de Ballenas and Salsipuedes, and the Cabo Pulmo, Isabel Island and Marietas Islands National Parks.

On the other hand, the FGC's non-endowment resources mainly come from a financing mechanism linked to nature tourism. Thanks to the leadership of the Lindblad Expeditions cruise company and its partnership with the National Geographic Society, passengers on cruises that travel through the Gulf of California make donations to support conservation efforts. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature (FMCN, acronym in Spanish) provide matching funds that triple the donations from travelers.

The funded initiatives are selected through open calls every three years. The objective is to build resilient communities and link sustainable use activities to conserve the network of marine-coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of California and the North Pacific.

The lines of work that guide the actions of the Gulf of California Fund are:

  1. Territorial governance.
  2. Sustainable initiatives.
  3. Conservation of habitats and priority species.
  4. Resilience to climate events.

The financed initiatives are aimed at strengthening the social cohesion of coastal communities.

Read the executive summary of the FGC evaluation

Achievements

Since its beginning in 2001, the FGM has strengthened the ecological and social vitality of the region, funding 136 initiatives from 52 local organizations. An external evaluation highlighted the importance of adapting innovative strategies to expand the impact and guarantee the permanence of the FGC.

During the first half of 2025, technical and administrative follow-up was provided to the nine organizations selected under the FGC 2024 call. The ongoing subprojects address key issues for marine conservation and community strengthening, including sustainable fisheries management, community-based tourism entrepreneurship, artisanal fishing and aquaculture, the promotion of community-led solutions for healthy oceans, economic diversification in fishing communities, the adoption of good fishing practices, mangrove conservation, the prevention of sea lion entanglement, coral restoration, and climate change adaptation.

At the end of June, a coral gardening workshop was held for the children attending the Cabo Pulmo Environmental Daycare Center. During this training, they learned about coral biology, their importance to marine ecosystems, and coral restoration techniques. As part of the process, a coral was planted and placed on the seafloor in the Pichilingue area, strengthening children’s understanding of and connection to conservation.

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Results of the Independent Evaluation 2010–2023


  • Relevance
    FGC was established as an innovative financial mechanism to address the environmental challenges of one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet. Its regional, flexible, and multi-year approach enabled a timely response to urgent issues through local capacity building, applied science, and collaborative work. Over more than a decade, the FGC remained relevant thanks to its ability to adapt to changing contexts, support strategic initiatives, and bring together diverse stakeholders.


  • Achievements
    Between 2010 and 2023, the FGC supported more than 70 subprojects across northwestern Mexico, strengthening local organizations and advancing key conservation efforts in sustainable fisheries, marine PA management, and climate resilience. It successfully consolidated a collaborative network among civil society, fishing communities, academia, and government, fostering a shared regional vision. Its funding model enabled the implementation of medium-term projects with a territorial approach which achieved concrete environmental and institutional outcomes.

  • Lessons Learned
    La evaluación reveló que la existencia de una estructura de gobernanza clara y participativa es fundamental para la legitimidad y eficacia del mecanismo financiero. También destacó la importancia de mantener separados los objetivos estratégicos del Fondo para el Golfo de California de los intereses individuales de los socios. La salida de un donante importante, aunque desafiante, evidenció que una crisis puede abrir oportunidades para reestructurar, fortalecer y diversificar el FGC.  The evaluation highlighted that a clear and participatory governance structure is essential for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the financial mechanism. It also emphasized the importance of keeping FGC's strategic objectives separate from individual partner interests. The withdrawal of a major donor, while challenging, demonstrated that crises can create opportunities to restructure, strengthen, and diversify the FGC.


  • Impact on the Territory and Local Communities
    The FGC had a significant impact on strengthening the region’s network of institutions and improving communities’ ability to respond to socio-environmental challenges. It contributed to better management of marine PAs, promoted responsible fishing practices, and supported the development of local climate adaptation strategies. At the same time, it fostered social inclusion and community participation, generating lasting environmental and social benefits that reinforced local governance and the sustainability of marine resources.

  • Recommendations
    It is essential to strengthen coordination among operational funds and to position FMCN as a facilitator of the transition. Diversifying funding sources—including partnerships with the private sector and innovative financial instruments—is key to long-term sustainability, along with maintaining strong mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and continuous learning.

Allies

Donors:

  • Conservation International Mexico / Global Conservation Fund
  • Homeland Foundation
  • International Community Foundation
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Joint Fund for Exploration and Conservation
  • Marisla Foundation
  • The David and Lucile Packard Foundation