Stewardship for sharks and rays in Central America
Central America is shaped by the sea. Since most of the countries share Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, it would seem safe to assume that awareness of ocean conservation and its significance is high. But this is not so, and Ana is tackling the issue of distance; a wedge driven between communities in Panama, Belize and Honduras, thanks to underfunded public education, and the ocean and its diversity that they rely on. Resource challenges have forced Ana to embrace innovative education initiatives, aiming to increase public understanding of the importance of sharks and rays, measure changes in fishing and consumer behaviour, and engage communities to become ocean stewards.
Ana Lucía López
For as long as I can remember, I have felt drawn to the sea. Growing up in a country where the coast is always within easy reach only heightened my desire to explore what lies beneath the surface. As soon as I had the opportunity, I obtained my diving qualifications. After all, I live in a country with the world’s second-largest coral reef. Honduras’ offerings to the world inspired me to pursue a career in development communication. Advocating for conservation and development efforts and spreading the word about them became my mission more than 15 years ago.
Sparking wonder and catalyzing behavioral change for Central America’s sharks with immersive education
The primary objective of this project is to advance shark conservation efforts in Central America by implementing an immersive educational initiative that raises public awareness, fosters behavioural change and promotes stewardship and advocacy for endangered shark and rays, with a special focus on hammerheads and lifeboat populations of sawfish.
This project addresses the urgent need for public education on the ecological and economic importance of endangered sharks and rays in Central America. Since more than one-third of these species face extinction, it is crucial to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices. By engaging communities in key regions of Belize, Honduras and Panama, the project will increase public awareness and empower these communities to make informed decisions that are vital for the survival of elasmobranchs.
Central America is home to many ecologically unique and Critically Endangered marine species, including hammerheads and sawfish. Since most of the countries have both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, the region is defined by its connection to the sea. Yet despite the importance of the ocean to Central America, many of its human residents are disconnected from marine wildlife and there is limited public education about the topic.
Although Central America is linked by oceans, the threats to the marine environment, and the opportunities to mitigate them, are unique to each country. In several of Honduras’ inland cities, consumer preference for fresh ray and shark meat persists, despite national legislation that prohibits shark fishing. Belize, known for an ecotourism-driven economy centred on its barrier reef, similarly lacks widespread awareness of the vital role sharks and rays play in maintaining marine ecosystems. Panama, with a huge diversity of sharks and rays in the Caribbean and Eastern Tropical Pacific, faces challenges in reconciling legislation on shark fishing with public perception and awareness.
Public education in low- and middle-income countries across the region faces chronic underfunding. This neglect has spurred a hunger for innovative educational initiatives among educators and administrators eager to enhance learning opportunities. This project will leverage existing infrastructure such as free-to-access museums, cultural centres and learning institutions to broaden educational outreach and drive behavioural change for sharks and rays across diverse age groups and under-served communities.
- To increase public awareness and understanding of the ecological significance and conservation status of threatened shark and ray populations, particularly hammerheads and sawfish, within Central America.
- To encourage measurable behavioural changes towards sustainable fishing practices and reduce consumption of sharks and rays through targeted educational campaigns and interactive exhibits.
- To engage diverse communities, especially young people and under-served groups, to become active participants in marine conservation efforts, thus fostering a culture of stewardship and advocacy for elasmobranchs.