Peru hosts one of the world’s most productive marine systems in the world. However, these are exposed to challenges including un-sustainable fisheries, pollution and climate change. Community engagement and ownership are... [ view full abstract ]
Peru hosts one of the world’s most productive marine systems in the world. However, these are exposed to challenges including un-sustainable fisheries, pollution and climate change. Community engagement and ownership are vital to ensure effective conservation efforts.
Since 2007, Planeta Océano works to empower coastal communities in marine conservation in Peru. This includes promoting citizen science, management and policy, as well as transformative marine education and sustainable development efforts. Thousands of people have been engaged, including children, youth, fishermen, teachers, government and the corporate sector; and local community members are incorporated as primary actors throughout project development.
Initiatives have included engaging students and fishermen in sea turtle conservation, researching shark and ray fisheries, involving youth in MPA monitoring, integrating schools in a ‘Marine Educator’s Network’ and pioneering manta ray conservation in Peru, among others. For example, manta conservation efforts have included working with fishermen, teachers and youth in research, education and ecotourism focused on giant manta rays, as well as achieving national legislation to protect this species in Peru.
This presentation will discuss a variety of community-based and multi-disciplinary strategies, such as creating local networks, working with the formal educational system, identifying and empowering local ambassadors, fostering locally-lead initiatives, integrating and connecting multiple stakeholders in multi-disciplinary efforts, and bridging science and management. We will review key factors and challenges within these, and describe how these actions contribute to global frameworks and strategies.
This work therefore provides a case study that can be adapted for marine conservation in other geographical areas.
Topics: Communicating marine conservation , Topics: Effective marine conservation planning , Topics: Participation in marine conservation science (e.g. citizen and indigenous science)
