Building Networks

Loggerhead turtles are not only found along the coast of Baja California Sur, but also in the immense North Pacific Ocean. To protect these animals we can’t focus all our efforts working in one community. It will also be almost impossible to have enough human resources and time to visit each one of the communities where loggerheads are distributed. This is why the creation of networks is so important. By constructing networks between different communities working locally for loggerhead protection, we will reach regional goals of conservation. Furthermore, when building networks between regions, we will have a global impact in loggerhead conservation.
Clearly, our team doesn’t have the time or resources to reach every last fisherman along the vast, isolated Baja California Sur coast. But the Grupo Tortuguero, an emerging community conservation network, does. Networks are decentralised, non-hierarchical, diverse and resilient. As such, they are ideal for addressing widespread problems and creating the social change needed to address bycatch issues in isolated fishing villages.
We build local conservation capacity by partnering with fishermen directly, by engaging local women’s and youth groups and by offering internships for local students. These conservation leaders are empowered and connected through workshops, regional meetings and international conferences. By interacting with colleagues from other towns, regions and countries, these leaders’ perspectives are broadened so that they appreciate the global impact of local bycatch and learn ways to avoid it. This conservation network serves as a new social fabric that fosters and facilitates a culture of marine conservation. Among other awareness-raising initiatives to date, we have brought Spanish-speaking Japanese biologists to Baja California fishing communities. When Japanese experts share their firsthand experience of declines in nesting turtles, local leaders increasingly appreciate the importance of protecting juvenile loggerheads in their waters. They become the spokespeople for reducing bycatch, sharing the problem and working towards solutions with their families, friends and neighbours. Among other awareness-raising initiatives to date, we have brought Spanish-speaking Japanese biologists to Baja California fishing communities. When Japanese experts share their firsthand experience of declines in nesting turtles, local leaders increasingly appreciate the importance of protecting juvenile loggerheads in their waters. They become the spokespeople for reducing bycatch, sharing the problem and working towards solutions with their families, friends and neighbours. .