From June 30 to July 5, 2025, more than 50 experts on whales and dolphins (cetaceans) met in Santos, Brazil. The aim of the workshop, organized by the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the Brazilian government, was to review and updateconservation managementplans (CMPs) for some of South America's most endangered species.
Among other things, the focus was on the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), South American river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis, Sotalia fluviatilis), the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), the Lahille bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus), and the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei).
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, Chairman of YAQU PACHA, participated in the workshop and emphasized his organization's commitment:
"This meeting was extremely important, as we not only evaluated progress but also spoke openly about the threats currently facing these cetaceans. Issues such as bycatch, climate-related events, and the increasing incidence of infectious diseases are particularly pressing. It is encouraging to see that we are working together on science-based solutions."
YAQU PACHA not only supported the workshop in terms of content, but was also one of the financial sponsors—a clear sign of the organization's strong commitment to the protection of endangered cetaceans in South America.
A particular highlight was the presentation of the Alliance for the Franciscana Conservation Research, Rescue, and Rehabilitation (AFCR3). Dr. Cristiane Kolesnikovas from R3 Animal gave a moving account of the caseof "Francisca,"a Franciscana dolphin currently undergoing rehabilitation—a symbol of the vulnerability and resilience of the species.
Dr. Alex Zerbini, former chair of the IWC Scientific Committee, praised the results:
"Workshops like this are essential. They bring together expertise, promote collaboration, and ensure that conservation plans remain living documents—continuously adapted to the latest scientific findings and best conservation practices."
YAQU PACHA's projects are significantly supported by zoological institutions such as Nuremberg Zoo, Duisburg Zoo, Heidelberg Zoo, Aquazoo Düsseldorf, Zoomarine Algarve, and Rancho Texas. These partnerships enable the One Plan Approach to be put into practice – an integrative species conservation approach in which measures in the natural habitat (in situ) and in human care (ex situ) are sensibly interlinked.
Further information:
https://iwc.int/management-and-conservation/conservation-management-plans
