The Humane Society International and Mundo Azul, a Peruvian NGO dedicated to the conservation of the marine and aquatic biodiversity of Peru, will be hosting the International Conference “Whale and Dolphin Watching: An Oportunity for Sustainable Coastal Development and Conservation”. The conference counts with the participation of national and international speakers from Peruvian and US-Government, tourism and fisheries sector, scientists and conservationists. Renowned participants include Dr. Erich Hoyt and Dr. Carol Carlson ( specialists on whale and dolphin watching) and Dr. Brigit Winning, President of the Oceanic Society.
To be held this 27th and 28th of February at the Double Tree El Pardo Hotel, in Lima, the conference is part of the “Dolphin Conservation in Peru” project, whose main objectives are to strengthen the implementation of laws for the conservation of cetaceans in Peru; and to promote dolphin and whale watching as an economic and sustainable alternative for artisan fishermen.
Alas, participation to the conference is free but only possible by personal invitation. If you are anyway interested in making yourself useful to the cetaceans cause, Mundo Azul gives you a wide array of Wildlife Volunteering Alternatives.
February 27th, 2007
Mundo Azul is a Peruvian NGO that contributes since 1999 to the conservation of biological diversity and nature in Peru -particularly regarding marine and aquatic biodiversity-, to sustainable development, to poverty reduction and to an improved human and animal welfare.
Mundo Azul, as part of their varied conservation programs, offers some exciting opportunities for wildlife volunteering to people from all over the world. It’s not necessary to be a biologist or natural science student; all you need is a strong interest in nature and the willingness to dedicate your time and effort.
Sperm whales (top) can be seen in Pisco (south of Lima) and Paita (Piura department, Peru’s North). Bottle-nose Dolphins (bottom) are the most widespread cetacean in Peru.
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If you are attracted to direct action, you could Study and Monitor Local Populations of Coastal Bottle-nose Dolphins with Mundo Azul’s research team. You will be trained to photo-identify individual dolphins, record data on the location and behaviour of local dolphin populations, and observe other marine wildlife such as sea lions, sea turtles, Humbolt penguins, and marine otters. This program currently covers 140 kms of the central Peruvian coastline and aims to extend its coverage to 240 kms during the year 2007, stretching out from Lima to the national Reserve of Paracas.
If you are an expert diver (certified with at least 60 logged open water dives) and have a strong interest in marine biology, you could become a Submarine Research Diver. This program studies Peruvian marine fish and invertebrate species, and implies the identification and underwater location of species, as well as underwater fish count.
If you’re not an open ocean type, but rather a potential Tarzan, Mundo Azul offers a unique opportunity to spend a few days in one of the World’s most amazing and pristine rainforests. Their rainforest research program, just south of the Manu National Park, is a great chance to Research Giant River Otters, Tapirs, Makaws and many other mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian species.
Finally, if you’re not sure to embark yet in such thrilling activities, go ahead and Adopt a Dolphin.
February 27th, 2007
