(SANGIHE, INDONESIA): Coastal 500, the world’s largest network of local government leaders committed to thriving seas and prosperous coastal communities, has surpassed its goal of 500 members, marking a major milestone for locally-led ocean action. The milestone was reached on March 30th, 2026, with the addition of 105 local government leaders from Indonesia’s Sangihe Islands in North Sulawesi.
“While reaching 500 members was our initial goal, it’s not just a number; it’s a signal,” said Rocky Sanchez Tirona, Managing Director of Regional Programs for Rare, which serves as Coastal 500’s main facilitator of Coastal 500. “It tells us there is growing momentum among local governments to take action. It shows that this model of investing in networks, peer leadership, and locally grounded solutions is working.”
Launched on World Oceans Day in 2021, Coastal 500 is grounded in the belief that locally led solutions deliver the greatest impact for both people and nature. Today, the network brings together leaders from eight highly biodiverse coastal countries—Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Micronesia, Mozambique, Palau, and the Philippines—who are working collectively to influence policy, unlock financing, strengthen governance, and protect critical coastal and marine ecosystems while enhancing community resilience.
Collectively, Coastal 500 members represent over 2,000 communities responsible for stewarding almost 100,000 square kilometers of coastline and marine ecosystems that nearly 4 million people depend on for food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
“This is about a movement to protect our oceans not only by working with fishers and communities, but also by working with the leaders who shape the future of coastal regions,” said Hari Kushardanto, Vice President of Rare in Indonesia. “Limited local budgets and national development priorities often constrain how much a district can do alone. By networking through Coastal 500, local leaders in Indonesia and around the globe can create stronger, lasting impacts together.”
In 2023, Coastal 500 was named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize, recognizing its innovative approach to scaling local leadership for global impact for our oceans.
“Coastal 500 shows the powerful impact that can be achieved when people come together to protect our planet,” said Rachel Moriarty, Executive Director of Prize and Portfolio at The Earthshot Prize. “Surpassing its goal of 500 local leaders is a testament to its importance as a forum for sharing ideas, strengthening conservation policies, and advancing coastal protection globally. The Earthshot Prize is proud to champion our Finalists like Coastal 500 to accelerate action for our coastlines and oceans.”
When local leaders join Coastal 500, they commit to empowering their communities with clear access rights to their fisheries, while promoting sustainable fishing practices, building resilience, advancing transparent, effective and collaborative governance and sharing best practices with peers across the globe.
“As local leaders, the challenges we face are immediate, but so are the solutions,” said Mabuhay Mayor, Edreluisa “Lulu” Calonge, in the Philippines. “Through Coastal 500, we’re able to learn from each other and apply what works. I’m excited to be part of what comes next, working together to scale solutions, strengthen our communities, and ensure our coastal resources thrive for generations to come.”
Coastal 500’s growth has been powered by generous support from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, The Swedish Postcode Lottery, Rumah Foundation, Djinda Foundation and other funders. The network also continues to expand its impact through partnerships with leading global and regional organizations
“Local leaders are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and play a critical role in protecting the ocean,” said Antha Williams, who leads the Environment Program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “We’ve seen that when they’re connected through strong networks, they can move faster and deliver results. Now, with more than 500 leaders, Coastal 500 is driving local action to protect the ocean and support the communities that depend on it.”
Gabriela Polo, Global Lead for Coastal 500, reflected on the network’s growth and future ambition: “When we first set out to build this network, the vision was ambitious: to connect local leaders across geographies who are on the frontlines of ocean and coastal conservation, and to create a platform where they could lead, learn from one another, and drive collective impact,” said Polo. “Crossing the 500 mark is the beginning of the next chapter, where we will deepen collaboration, accelerate impact, and bring this movement to more communities across the globe.”
Press contact: Kristi Marciano (kmarciano@rare.org)
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About Coastal 500
Coastal 500 is the world’s largest network of local government leaders committed to thriving seas and prosperous coastal communities. With over 500 members across 8 countries, Coastal 500 represents over 2,000 communities that steward almost 100,000 square kilometers of coastline and marine ecosystems on which nearly 4 million people depend for food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. When local leaders join Coastal 500, they commit to empowering their communities with clear access rights to their fisheries, while promoting sustainable fishing practices, building resilience, advancing transparent, effective and collaborative governance and sharing best practices with peers across the globe.
About Rare
Rare serves as the Secretariat for Coastal 500 and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the network. Rare supports members by coordinating network activities and communications, helping deliver programs, tools, and learning opportunities, and supporting engagement with partners and at international fora.