Women Conserving Life: A Community Option for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in the Colombian Pacific

Melisa Katherine Hernandez Reyes

We decided to undertake this project as a viable social and economic alternative to improve the quality of life of the women of Pangui and their community. Due to its privileged location on the seashore, surrounded by various rivers and covered with virgin jungle, it enjoys exuberant natural beauties and abundant biodiversity that attest to the exoticism and variety of species, as well as their cultural traditions and gastronomic legacy.

Therefore, we propose an economic development model based on traditional ecological knowledge that guarantees the rational use and exploitation of natural resources, where the main actors and beneficiaries are the Pangui inhabitants.

Monitoring Hawksbill turtle- Eretmochelys Imbricata.

Monitoring Hawksbill turtle- Eretmochelys Imbricata.

We will build capacity on local communities by providing training and technical support for the conservation and management of marine turtles along the Pangui shore. We will strengthen local governance through the implementation of marine turtle and their critical habitats conservation programs including good practices for beach protected hatcheries.

Group photo.

Group photo.

By developing ecotourism based on sea turtle sustainable use, we will provide alternative sources of income developing a ecotourism program for the Women Conserving Life group to improve their current livelihood and raise awareness on the importance and reducing current pressure over endangered sea turtles.

Header: Release of Hawksbill turtle- Eretmochelys Imbricata.

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