Indigenous fishers lead science-backed conservation of Colombia’s wetlands

Mongabay
Mongabay
3M ago
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Indigenous communities in Colombia's Amazon are combining traditional knowledge with scientific methods to conserve wetlands and fish species, enhancing food security and ecosystem health.
Indigenous fishers lead science-backed conservation of Colombia’s wetlands
A What happened
Indigenous fishers in Colombia's Amazon are leading a conservation initiative that integrates traditional knowledge with scientific monitoring to protect the biodiversity of the Estrella Fluvial del Inírida wetlands, a Ramsar site. This community-based project focuses on sustainable fishing practices, crucial for the food security of local populations. By documenting fish species and their reproductive cycles, Indigenous leaders are informing fishing regulations to better reflect ecological realities. The initiative also addresses challenges posed by climate change, which disrupts seasonal patterns and threatens fish populations. Through collaboration with organizations like WWF, these communities are gathering vital data that supports their conservation efforts and enhances their connection to their territory.

Key insights

  • 1

    Community-Based Monitoring: Indigenous fishers are using traditional knowledge to monitor fish populations.

  • 2

    Impact of Climate Change: Changing weather patterns are affecting fish behavior and spawning.

  • 3

    Sustainable Fishing Practices: The initiative promotes sustainable fishing to ensure food security.

  • 4

    Ramsar Site Protection: The wetlands are recognized for their global ecological importance.

Takeaways

The integration of Indigenous knowledge and scientific methods is vital for effective environmental conservation.

Topics

Climate & Environment Climate Change Sustainability Conservation