
The Amazon River dolphin is an endangered species. Due to the destruction of their habitat and a lack of education among the local population many aquatic species in the Amazon are at risk of disappearing forever.
In cooperation with the local population, the project builds environmental awareness among residents and reduces the threats to the river dolphins. This includes the collection of scientific data, which provides a basis for long-term conservation.
River dolphins and other aquatic species in the Amazon face a variety of threats. These residents of the Amazon can only survive if their habitat is protected from destruction. Together with local indigenous communities, the organisation WDCS wants to achieve widespread conservation of river dolphins and other aquatic species. The two main objectives of this project are the conservation of aquatic species like river dolphins and manatees as well as awareness and knowledge building across local communities.
Targeted developments in the project region
The project fosters a sensitive treatment of the existing cultural values and empowers the local population through education and awareness building techniques which allow the communities to address these issues on their own. This approach provides a model for each country along the Amazon, demonstrating a means of preserving the habitats of river dolphins and other aquatic species.
Activities undertaken in the Amazon region are accompanied by local, national and international campaigns and lobbying efforts in order to ensure comprehensive protection of river dolphins.
WDC – Whale and Dolphin Conservation
WDC aims to definitively eradicate all threats posed to whales and dolphins, build public awareness of ocean and river dwellers and promote the need to protect them in their natural habitats. WDC is a partner of Agreement of the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic Sea (ACCOBAMS), the Convention on Migratory Species (Bonn Convention), and is a member of the Species Survival Network (SSN).
WCD collaborates on the ground with the Colombia-based organisation Natütama (meaning “everything underwater”). Natütama has been successfully active in the region for over a decade and is highly reputed and well positioned in the area, thanks to its active indigenous fishermen and instructors. The experienced project team comprises field researchers, conservationists and indigenous residents who have taken on the duty of preserving Amazon habitats. A team of more than 20 indigenous instructors and fishermen carry out the activities within the communities.
Learn more about WDC
Learn more about Natütama