STRATEGIC
PLAN
2024
2027
In the next three years, we will scale ecosystem restoration, deepen community engagement, and expand conservation efforts to protect vital marine areas and support coastal communities. As ocean biodiversity faces growing threats, our mission remains rooted in science and shared ownership with the people we serve.
Innoceana works to help future-proof critical ocean areas through innovation in science, education, and advocacy.
VISION
Innoceana envisions a world where community-led conservation, scientific innovation, and sustainable practices drive ocean health.
GOAL 1
DEVELOP SCALABLE RESTORATION PROGRAMS FOR MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
GOAL 2
DRIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH EDUCATION AND LOCAL CONSERVATION INITIATIVES AT OUR CONSERVATION AND AWARENESS CENTERS
GOAL 3
BUILD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS TO EXPAND REACH, AND MULTIPLY CONSERVATION IMPACT
GOAL 4
BUILD A PEOPLE-CENTERED ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE (STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND BOARD) TO ENSURE SUSTAINED GROWTH AND WELL-BEING
GOAL 5
ENSURE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY FOR MISSION SUCCESS
GOAL 1
DEVELOP SCALABLE RESTORATION
PROGRAMS FOR MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
STRATEGY
Coral Restoration at Isla del Caño
We aim to restore the coral reefs of Isla del Caño through a more effective, science-based strategy.
Our approach is built on three pillars:
- Data Collection & Monitoring – We’ve conducted extensive surveys, water testing, and temperature tracking to identify reef priorities and measure restoration success.
- Coral Immunology Research – By testing coral immune responses in our labs, we aim to select resilient colonies that can better withstand climate stress, increasing long-term survival.
- Community Engagement & Partnerships – We involve volunteers, citizen scientists, and local dive operators in monitoring and restoration, and actively collaborate with other organizations to scale efforts and avoid redundancy.
We plan to move from pilot testing in 2025 to active restoration in 2026, with full implementation by 2027, and long-term impact goals set for 2030. This integrated approach seeks to improve restoration outcomes and build a scalable model for the future.
Seagrass Restoration at Tenerife
Seagrass meadows in Tenerife are rapidly declining, putting marine biodiversity and coastal resilience at risk. Innoceana is developing scalable, science-based restoration methods—such as seed germination and other techniques—to identify the most effective approaches.
By combining research, partnerships, and community involvement, we aim to restore these vital blue carbon ecosystems to combat climate change, enhance water quality, and support biodiversity for future generations.
OUTCOMES
- Coral Restoration: We are moving from research to action in Isla del Caño, applying coral immunology to boost reef resilience.
- Seagrass Restoration: We’re testing scalable methods in Tenerife to restore degraded seagrass meadows.
- Community Engagement: We involve volunteers and partners in fieldwork, monitoring, and local conservation efforts.
- Knowledge Sharing: We use research insights to improve techniques and support global marine restoration.
GOAL 2
DRIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH
EDUCATION AND LOCAL CONSERVATION INITIATIVES
AT OUR CONSERVATION AND AWARENESS CENTERS.
STRATEGY
Community-Led Conservation
Innoceana believes that lasting marine conservation must be locally driven. Through education, hands-on training, and community involvement, we empower people to understand and protect their marine environments. Our approach focuses on building long-term, locally rooted environmental responsibility.
Costa Rica – El Club del Mar
El Club del Mar is growing to engage both children and teens in ocean education. With free access through sponsorships, students participate in monthly workshops and field trips that blend science, creativity, and conservation. The program builds a new generation of ocean advocates, involving families in marine protection and hands-on activities.
Tenerife – HOPE Marine Conservation Awareness Center
The new HOPE Center will be a public space for ocean education, located in a busy coastal area. It will feature an indoor museum, educational signage, and workshops, while also promoting sustainable whale-watching practices through a dedicated Innoceana boat — setting a model for responsible tourism.
Plastic Pollution Solutions
Innoceana tackles plastic pollution through beach cleanups and, starting in 2025, a new Plastic Recycling Workspace in Costa Rica. Collected plastics will be turned into useful items for parks, schools, and businesses, creating a circular economy that supports conservation while reducing waste.
OUTCOMES
- Boost engagement in El Club del Mar by increasing consistent participation from local youth.
- Complete the HOPE Awareness Center in Tenerife by 2028, creating a dedicated public space for marine education.
- Empower local communities through hands-on workshops and outreach that foster active conservation involvement.
- Run the Plastic Recycling Workspace at full capacity in 2025, producing useful items for the community and generating revenue through local sales.
GOAL 3
BUILD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS TO EXPAND
REACH, AND MULTIPLY CONSERVATION IMPACT
STRATEGY
Innoceana believes collaboration is key to scaling marine conservation. We are expanding partnerships with organizations, corporations, and stakeholders to boost impact, funding, and innovation.
Through EU-funded projects, we work with experts and conservation groups to address global challenges like restoration and plastic pollution. We are also committed to including underserved regions—particularly in Africa—in broader ocean protection efforts.
We’re strengthening ties with governments, universities, and local authorities to align with public policy and research. In Spain, this includes the HOPE project and academic partnerships; in Costa Rica, ongoing collaboration with SINAC and municipalities.
To reach our restoration goals, we’ll partner with experts in coral and seagrass restoration, ensuring stronger outcomes at Isla del Caño and in Tenerife. These cross-sector alliances are essential to expanding our reach and driving long-term impact for ocean health.
OUTCOMES
- Strengthen collaborations through EU-funded projects to achieve large-scale conservation goals alongside international partners.
- Expand partnerships with organizations, corporations, and policy makers to amplify conservation impact.
- Engage with governments, universities, and local authorities to support research, education, and policy alignment.
GOAL 4
BUILD A PEOPLE-CENTERED ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
(STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND BOARD) TO ENSURE SUSTAINED GROWTH AND WELL-BEING.
STRATEGY
Team & Culture
At Innoceana, people are our greatest strength. We are committed to creating a purpose-driven, inclusive, and supportive work environment where staff and volunteers feel empowered and valued. We will invest in ongoing training, fair compensation, and opportunities for growth to ensure a strong, mission-aligned team.
Community & Volunteer Engagement
We believe our work belongs to the community. Volunteers are central to our efforts—from beach cleanups to marine education and restoration. By involving local communities, we aim to foster a lasting sense of ocean stewardship and shared responsibility.
Collaborative Growth
We will continue building a healthy and collaborative organizational culture to attract and retain passionate individuals committed to ocean conservation and sustainability.
Strengthening the Board
To support Innoceana’s mission-driven growth, we will expand our Board of Directors with experts in conservation, nonprofit leadership, and sustainability. Board members will contribute strategically and help drive fundraising, partnerships, and visibility, reinforcing the foundation for long-term impact.
OUTCOMES
- Build a mission-driven team: Foster a work culture grounded in purpose, inclusion, and professional development to inspire and support all team members.
- Empower local volunteers: Engage volunteers in hands-on conservation to strengthen community ownership and participation in marine restoration.
- Ensure supportive work policies: Implement policies that reflect Innoceana’s values and promote a fair, healthy, and motivating work environment.
- Guarantee equitable compensation: Offer fair salaries and benefits to attract and retain committed and qualified team members.
- Grow the Board of Directors: Recruit members who are aligned with Innoceana’s mission and bring expertise in conservation, nonprofit management, and sustainable development.
- Strengthen board involvement in fundraising
Encourage board members to actively support fundraising and partnerships by leveraging their networks and influence. - Align governance with mission and vision: Ensure the board continues to guide strategic decisions rooted in Innoceana’s core values and long-term conservation goals.
GOAL 5
ENSURE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY FOR MISSION SUCCESS
STRATEGY
Innoceana is committed to ensuring long-term financial sustainability by diversifying funding sources—combining individual donors, grants, sponsorships, and revenue-generating programs. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit in California supports funding efforts in Costa Rica and Spain, enabling access to U.S. donations and grants. Strengthening these revenue streams will help scale and sustain our conservation impact.
OUTCOMES
- Build a mission-driven team: Foster a work culture grounded in purpose, inclusion, and professional development to inspire and support all team members.
- Empower local volunteers: Engage volunteers in hands-on conservation to strengthen community ownership and participation in marine restoration.
- Ensure supportive work policies: Implement policies that reflect Innoceana’s values and promote a fair, healthy, and motivating work environment.
- Guarantee equitable compensation: Offer fair salaries and benefits to attract and retain committed and qualified team members.
ALIGNMENT WITH THE UNITED NATIONS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
Innoceana’s mission and strategic goals align with global efforts to protect the
ocean and foster sustainable development. Our initiatives directly contribute
to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
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- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Our coral and seagrass restoration programs (Goal 1) actively work to restore marine ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and mitigate human impacts on the ocean.
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- SDG 13: Climate Action – By developing resilient marine habitats and promoting nature-based solutions such as seagrass restoration (Goal 1), we contribute to carbon sequestration and climate adaptation efforts.
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- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Through strategic collaborations with governments, universities, NGOs, and corporations (Goal 3), we scale our impact, secure funding, and drive innovation in marine conservation.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By engaging communities in beach cleanups and plastic recycling initiatives (Goal 2), we encourage waste reduction, sustainable practices, and environmental responsibility.
By integrating scientific research, education, community engagement, and sustainable resource management, Innoceana contributes to local impact and global sustainability goals.
