Zoomarine has recently been distinguished by the prestigious “Conservation Partner Award”, attributed by the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), in conjunction with Yaqu Pacha during the EAAM 53rd Annual Symposium. The distinction recognizes the park’s continuous commitment in the conservation of biodiversity and animal welfare, with particular emphasis on its participation in responses to environmental emergencies, such as the one in the Tefé River in Brazil.
This award values Zoomarine’s contribution to the global protection of biodiversity, namely through its collaboration with Yaqu Pacha, an organization dedicated to the conservation of threatened aquatic mammals in South America, such as dolphins. Park support has been essential both financially and in sharing scientific knowledge and sending professionals in emergency missions.
In 2023, cooperation between the two entities was intensified on two fundamental fronts: the implementation of Franciscan preservation measures (Pontooporia Blainvillei), a critically threatened coastal dolphin in Brazil, under the Alliance for the Franciscan Dolphin Conservation Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation (AFCR3), ”and support for fishermen’s organization. “ABC Fishing”, which operates in the Gulf of California, Mexico, for sustainable fishing and the protection of vaquita (Phocona Sinus), the most threatened marine mammal on the planet.
For João Neves, Zoomarine’s director of science and conservation, this recognition translates the institution’s firm commitment: “Wildlife conservation is an overall effort that requires cooperation, innovation and an unshakable commitment. This award symbolizes not only our work on the ground, but also the mission of the Zoomarine to sensitize and educate, promoting concrete actions for a more sustainable future”.
During the EAAM 53rd Annual Symposium, João Neves also presented an innovative study on the factors that influence the involvement of visitors in conservation actions. The work shows that the combination of biocentric values (centered on life and nature) and anthropocentric values (centered on the human being), along with environmental awareness and personal norms, is essential to foster sustainable behaviors.
The performance of Environmental Education and Scientific Research reinforces its active role in the defense of marine life and in the promotion of sustainable practices, both in the park and in the conservation initiatives in which it is involved.
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