The binational conference participants in México. Yelba on the left, with other Costa Rican participants, including Steven Lara of Cuajiniquil Diving Center, and Yilibeth Carmona of Asojunquillal. Photo courtesy of WildAid.
Marine parataxonomists Gilberth Ampié and Yelba Vega recently represented GDFCF at binational conferences organized by WildAid—Gilberth in Panamá and Yelba in México. The meetings convened leaders from coastal communities to share best practices for curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, a major threat to marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that rely on them, as well as share conservation and environmental monitoring strategies.
For Gilberth, the trip was an important chance to both learn and share the knowledge gained over a lifetime on the ocean. “Every wave, every sunrise, and every experience in its waters has left a deep mark on me,” he said. “These spaces allow us to create shared strategies, improve sustainable management, and ensure that future generations can enjoy and protect the enormous wealth that the ocean offers.”
Yelba said the trip "...allowed me to learn about problems that are not only present in Costa Rica but also in many other countries." And it allowed her to "...experience different cultures and gain new knowledge about marine biodiversity that will benefit my community in its conservation efforts."
Their participation highlights the growing regional recognition of ACG’s parataxonomists as leaders in community-based marine conservation.
You can read more about the Panamá event here and the México one here.
The Panamá group, with Gilberth in the far back, top right. Photo courtesy of WildAid.