Co-designing solutions to safeguard whale blue corridors
May 2022 Colombia
Photo © naturepl.com / Tony Wu / WWF
In May 2022, WWF hosted a workshop in Bogota, Colombia with 31 experts from the scientific community, civil society and governments representing 10 different countries. The aim was to create a set of national and regional actions to promote the conservation of large whales in the Eastern Tropical and temperate Pacific from Mexico to Chile - based on concepts presented in the global Protecting Blue Corridors report.
Discussions included ideas to strengthen transboundary governance processes to reduce the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of human activities, promote scientific research and integrate information for improved management. The workshop explored ways to enhance the management and sustainability of ecotourism associated with whales, and contribute to its long-term economic growth responsibly. Seven areas were highlighted as crucial to strengthening the conservation needs of whale superhighways in the Eastern Pacific, including: addressing existing research needs to fill information gaps for management; identifying national actions needed to reduce anthropogenic threats; identifying regional actions to reduce threats and improve governance; improving the access, publication and exchange of information; enhancing socioeconomic benefits through sustainable tourism; building capacity of regional experts; and improving awareness and dissemination of solutions.
These concerted actions are highlighted throughout this report in order to help support connectivity conservation for whales through national and regional science and policy agendas, regional projects, marine research programs and other conservation initiatives throughout the region.