Women leaders in ocean conservation

There are thousands of women working for the protection of the oceans in every corner of the planet. Often in the shadows, these scientists, entrepreneurs, activists, politicians, disseminators and containers of ancestral knowledge are vital for the health of marine ecosystems and the well-being of millions of people. A common pattern in almost all of these women is their collaborative, more proactive and inclusive, more inclusive and caring attitude towards nature.

Recent studies show that, although they represent about 50% of the workforce in fisheries sectors, less than 10% hold management positions in marine-coastal organizations. This invisibility limits the potential of conservation strategies.

At the UN Ocean Summit (UNOC3), CAF organized an event to make women leaders of the sea visible and create a space to share their experiences, challenges and innovative solutions.

Six women leaders from the region discussed the possibilities of connecting and strengthening collaborative networks and promoting truly inclusive ocean governance. The transformative leadership of these women - who are already changing the way we understand and protect the seas - is vital to building a future where marine conservation and gender equity sail together.

“The best work is done with the stakeholders in the areas, who are the ones who are going to learn how to take care,” said Diana Tarazona Giraldo, Project Director of the Caribbean Marine Research Center Foundation - CIM Colombia. “Thanks to this principle, we have become a success story in coral conservation and restoration, and its nursery has already transplanted more than 136,000 corals, which benefits local ecosystems and communities.”

“Science that is not communicated is useless,” said Dalila Aldana Aranda, President Asociación Lab. Marinos Caribe, Director Gulf & Caribb. Fisheries Institute, in opening remarks at the event.

“It is important that women give opportunities to other women,” said Alicia Montalvo, CAF's Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity Manager. For this reason, “from CAF we are creating a scientific advisory council for biodiversity issues, where we will seek a good representation of women.”

The Malpelo and Other Marine Ecosystems Foundation in Colombia works on research, conservation and protection of marine ecosystems, with a special focus on the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary and other strategic marine areas.

Its director, Sandra Bessudo, said that “if one has the vocation and strength to persevere as women, we have everything to gain”. She also mentioned the project with CAF to monitor toxicity in the ocean through shark tracking.

Ana Pimentel, Vice Minister of Climate Change and Sustainability of the Dominican Republic, explained the role that women are playing in the formulation and implementation of conservation initiatives in her country, and how this is reflected in better results.

Digna Barsallo, Director of Coasts and Seas - Ministry of Environment of Panama, said that citizen participation is key -as well as scientists and communities- to promote the inclusion of women in projects and public decision making. She also assured that “the equity component is not an instrument for Panama; it has become a strategy”.

The event was closed by Cynthia Barzuna, WEI's Deputy Global Director, who left a phrase for reflection: “If we don't know each other, how can we take care of each other. I hope we can create a network of women where we can collaborate and take care of each other.