A holistic strategy for the conservation of the Barbudo
Project objective
This project focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of the Barbudo (Pimelodus grosskopfii), a fish species endemic to the Atrato River basin in Colombia. This comprehensive project is designed to address the issues of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing that threaten the viability of this species and its habitat. Through a collaboration between the Emberá indigenous community, conservation organizations and local authorities, a series of strategic activities are sought to be implemented in a Resource Management Zone (RMZ) of 9,800 hectares.
Threats
Climate change
Habitat loss & degradation
Poaching
The main activities of the project include:
- Implementation of a sustainable fisheries management plan: Education and training of 250 local fishermen in sustainable fishing practices, along with the adoption of technologies such as digital fishing diaries to improve monitoring and compliance with fishing regulations.
- Ecological restoration and reforestation: Planting 5,000 native trees to restore and preserve the critical habitat of the Barbudo, improving the biodiversity and ecological function of the watershed.
- Community strengthening and training: Involvement of the Emberá community in the conservation and management of natural resources, including training programs in environmental management and biodiversity conservation.
Project objectives
To increase the conservation status of the Barbudo in the Atrato river basin, through the creation of a security area of 9800 ha free of IUU fishing; destruction of habitats and illegal trafficking of species. This project therefore aims to:
- Reduce by 95% IUU fishing in 9,800 ha of the Atrato river basin, through the implementation of a sustainable fishing management plan in Emberá indigenous territory.
- Reduce by 95% the illegal trade of the Barbudo, destined for Asian markets (China), through a community monitoring program made up of Emberá indigenous people.
- Restore 9,800 hectares of the Atrato river basin, through reforestation, marking and cleaning of spawning, foraging and reproduction areas of the Barbudo.
- Strengthen the conservation capacities of the Emberá indigenous community through the training/awareness of 300 indigenous families, cohabiting with target fish.
Project activities
- Implementation of a sustainable fisheries management plan: Training of 250 fishermen in sustainable practices and use of digital fishing logs to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Ecological restoration and reforestation: Planting 5,000 native trees to restore critical areas of the Barbudo habitat, improving the biodiversity and ecological functions of the region.
- Community training: Education of the Emberá community in environmental management and conservation, enhancing their role in the protection and sustainable use of their natural resources.
- Creation of an indigenous environmental secretariat: Establishment of an entity led by qualified project members to coordinate conservation initiatives and monitor compliance with regulations.
This project is implemented by Women Environmental Corporation.
