From June 30 to July 5, 2025, more than 50 experts on 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 update conservation and managementplans (CMPs) for some of South America's most endangered species.
The focus was on the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), South American river dolphins(Inia geoffrensis, Sotalia fluviatilis), the Guyana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus) and the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei).
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, Chairman of YAQU PACHA, took part in the workshop and emphasized the commitment of his organization:
"This meeting was of utmost importance as we not only evaluated progress but also openly discussed the threats these cetaceans are currently facing. Issues such as bycatch, climate-related events and the increasing incidence of infectious diseases are particularly pressing. It is encouraging to see that science-based solutions are being worked on together."
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 special 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 report on the case of "Francisca", a franciscana dolphin currently undergoing rehabilitation - a symbol of the vulnerability and resilience of the species.
Dr. Alex Zerbini, former Chairman of the IWC Scientific Committee, praised the results:
"Workshops like this are essential. They bring together expertise, promote cooperation and ensure that conservation plans remain living documents - continuously adapted to the state of the art and best conservation practice."
YAQU PACHA is significantly supported in its projects 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 approach to species conservation in which measures in the natural habitat (in situ) and in human care (ex situ) are sensibly dovetailed.
Further information:
https://iwc.int/management-and-conservation/conservation-management-plans
