To further the knowledge of the resources of coastal ecosystems and the general lines along which they function, Unesco implemented a "Major Interregional Project on Research and Training Leading to the Integrated Management of Coastal Systems" (COMAR). In addition, a proposed regional cooperative program called the "Regional Project for Research and Training on Coastal Ecosystems of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Their Relations with the Continental Shelf" (COSALC) was launched. This document reports on a meeting which focused on the characteristics, objectives, and activities of COSALC and COMAR. It consists of an introduction, a review of the proposed COSALC project, and recommendations. The review section includes: (1) summaries of seven presentations which examined regional problems, strategies, examples, and methods of study related to coastal ecosystems; (2) country reports on coastal ecosystems (considering socioeconomic importance and human impact, research and training programs, relationships between these programs and COSALC, and proposals and priorities for establishing such cooperative programs); and (3) definitions of priorities, objectives, and methods of implementation of COSALC as reported by a research and training group, a management and training group, and a project organization group. One recommendation offered is to implement the specific actions promulgated by these groups. (JN)