The results of the multi-sectorial dialogues are reflected in agreements regarding implementation plans. These agreements form the basis for establishing the model of governance, or in other words the set of formal and informal rules and their enforcement mechanisms. The agreements document the stakeholders’ understandings of the geographical delimitation of the area, its zoning, and the management category. They also establish the steps to be followed in the process for implementing the management areas, such as the consolidation of a governance model through a Local Council, which is a figure that gives legal support composed of diverse representatives.

To promote voluntary participation and to achieve consensus among the key sectors involved, stakeholders including local authorities, fishermen, local residents among others, are identified through a previous mapping of actors. The different sectors then propose their representatives who are formally committed to the process by signing a document. A multi-sectorial dialogue platform is established and the interests of the stakeholders are discussed using an approach of collaborative facilitation and alternative dispute resolution. This platform addresses the issues of geographical delimitation of the management area, and the governance model with roles and responsibilities by sector and areas of use.

The scientific study identifies coastal and marine areas of Costa Rica that are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The vulnerability analysis combined three factors: exposure, potential impacts and the adaptive capacity of communities to respond to these impacts. Through these three factors the climatic threats of sea level rise, atmospheric temperature rise and changes in precipitation patterns were evaluated to identify vulnerability. The analysis supports the prioritization of climate change adaptation actions for protected areas and districts of local communities. These actions include the recovery of key habitats such as riparian forests, mangrove forests, beach terraces and the relocation of touristic trails close to the beach within the protected areas.

Three scientific studies provide technical information to identify areas that should be included in the national system of protected areas. An evaluation of marine ecoregions in Mesoamerica was the first step to achieve a marine and coastal biodiversity conservation agenda at the regional level. To meet the targets established for the eco-regional level, gaps in representativeness and integrity for the marine and coastal biodiversity in Costa Rica were identified through a comparison of the national system of marine protected areas with the sites of conservation importance identified during the evaluation. National sites of conservation importance were prioritized in the gap analysis. Additional technical evaluations to elaborate on the state of conservation at a local site level were done. This scientific information helped to build up considerations for local level priorities, and the actual and potential uses along with the use conflicts.

Two compatible monitoring systems being built track financial resources and conservation impact across regional and national trust funds. Combined, these systems establish a robust M&E framework to measure for impact, organizational learning and donor reporting, using applicable regional indicators.

Developed and implemented jointly with donors, countries and partners, the strong strategic plan includes:

1. Consolidating the establishment of the fund's architecture
2. Opening new thematic windows and attracting new countries to be part of the architecture
3. Establishing a fundraising strategy
4. Establishing a marketing and communications plan
5. Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system

Skilled personnel, effective governance and functioning technical systems are essential for successful operation. Key elements to support this include training for National Conservation Trust Funds, staff and board members, establishment of clear accounting systems, operations manuals, learning from best practices, mentoring, and peer exchange.

In this regard, the CBF has established training on its accounting system for its staff. It has also become a member of the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Conservation Trust Funds (RedLAC) to learn from similar institutions.

CBF endowment proceeds will be channeled through the NCTFs, which in turn will lead the grant-making process for on the ground and water activities. They are governed by majority non-government member boards reflecting a broad range of sectors and interests, and provide grants to both government and civil society.

Drawing on internationally recognized standards, the characteristics of NCTFs to be supported by the CBF are:

• Purpose: Purpose aligned with the purpose of the CBF.
• Board composition: Broad composition and representation, with majority civil society board membership and no single majority interest group dominating the board.
• Civil society board members: Board members representing civil society not solely selected by the government.
• Asset control: Well-designed and independent asset control.
• Audit requirements: Well-defined annual external audit requirements.
• Grants: Grant making to government and civil society.

Governments are key in the success of the regional collaboration. Their political commitment to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) Goals has been essential to attract donors to help achieve these goals, including building the finance architecture. Governments participate as observers and/or focal points in regional trust fund board meetings and are also part of the National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTF) boards.

A guided marine spatial planning exercise leads to the development of a multi-use zoning design for the area. This increases the capacity to protect, manage and sustainably use the marine resources. Potential mismatches between the area’s existing jurisdictional (legal-institutional) and geographical (social-ecological) scales requires consideration.