Community whale watching in a community-managed marine protected area on Colombia's Pacific Coast

The Community Managed Gulf of Tribugá – Cabo Corrientes Marine Protected Area is an important breeding ground for humpback whales in Colombia’s Pacific Coast. Whale watching tourism is one of the main economic activities that benefit local communities. However, informal activities and the lack of enforcement of whale watching practices may threaten the whales. This project promotes conservation based on sustainable whale watching strategies. The project develops a knowledge dialogue-based training program for tourism operators within the Gulf for applying sustainable whale watching. It further supports setting up one or more whale watching community organisations. Moreover, a communications campaign raises awareness of sustainable tourism and responsible whale watching practices in marine protected areas. The project’s results contribute to the ‘Pacific Strategy’ launched by the organisation, to promote sustainable use of natural resources and protect biodiversity.