宣言
Take action and help protect our oceans.
2.3% of our oceans are officially protected
While representing less than 2% of the ocean’s surface, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are valuable tools in protecting defined geographic areas that harbor high levels of biodiversity and exceptional habitat. Although MPAs continue to proliferate throughout the world, they tend to be poorly managed and their scarce resources are employed in a highly inefficient and ineffective manner. Inquiries with environmental and fisheries authorities reveal a common reality in each country: when in fact they are able to carry out patrols and apprehend a poacher, the individual who violates the law is rarely fined due to outdated laws, corruption, or nonexistent judicial follow-up. When vessels, personnel, and equipment do exist, few are operative due to lack of routine maintenance and funds to procure spare parts and fuel.
WildAid has pioneered new techniques and created a model for success in a sector where few non-profit organizations possess expertise, proving a comprehensive approach to marine law enforcement that is both unique and effective. The model relies on building complete capacity from detection to sanction in the government or local agencies rather than adopting a direct enforcement role. It also focuses on increasing the efficiency of operations so that they are affordable for governments over the long-term. For example, the Galapagos National Park now patrols more hours with less staff at a lower cost because of better equipment, training and the introduction of a Satellite Vessel Monitoring System (SVMS), radars, and long range video cameras, which removes the need for large costly oceanic patrol vessels.
The hallmark feature of our strategy lies in the holistic, integrated approach that we apply across various components of the law enforcement chain:
WildAid is currently working on the following initiatives:
WildAid is designing a national MPA enforcement strategy for Ecuador, which will rely heavily on comprehensive approaches that promote community participation as well as sustainable income generation for subsistence fishers.
Given the recent acquisition of AIS, video cameras, and radars in 2013 combined with the preexisting VMS system, WildAid aims to integrate all electronic monitoring systems and develop a comprehensive strategic plan in cooperation with the Galapagos National Park Service.
The greatest threat to biodiversity in the Galápagos Islands is the introduction of invasive species. Once a species is introduced, it may be too late or costly to implement a successful eradication program and irreversible damage may occur to native or endemic species of plants, animals, or insects. WildAid is currently providing on-going technical support to ensure that all key components of the biosecurity chain are implemented: construction and operation of the single port facilities in Guayaquil, the implementation/ strengthening of proper cargo inspection and preventive biosecurity mechanisms in Guayaquil, aboard cargo vessels and at the primary ports of Galapagos.
Looking forward, WildAid aims to establish several pilot MPA site programs in order to increase our programmatic footprint and demonstrate the effectiveness of our model. Locations must meet the following criteria:
Potential locations include:
Read more about our work in the Galapagos Islands and Indonesia.