For the Yaguará Panama Foundation, communication is vital at all levels, even though we are a science-based organization. Science must be translated to the community and to other scientists, but also in media that have real impact with communities, decision makers, students of all levels and people from a child to a senior citizen. In order to reach everyone, we communicate in international impact magazines such as National Geographic, which is seen by millions of people around the world. This project is related to the topic of agriculture and since 2014 every month we publish in a national magazine called Ecos del Agro, which reaches more than 10,000 people. We also publish in the traditional written press several articles a year. We go on radio and TV about 10 to 20 times a year, in addition to our social networks. We give virtual talks (in pandemic: more than 11,000 people have listened to our presentations), and face-to-face, workshops. If we REALLY want to reach the majority of people we must communicate in all available media, because those who watch or see one, do not see others and so on.
- More children know about the jaguar and biodiversity.
- More people of all levels and social classes are aware of what is happening in the country,
- More people are trained and empowered in biodiversity issues and jaguar and livestock farm improvements,
- More people are trained and empowered in biodiversity issues and improvements of cattle ranches and the jaguar, there is credibility on the part of decision-makers thanks to scientific monitoring.
- Communities living in wild and rural areas now know who to turn to if there is a conflict situation between humans and jaguars.
The most important lesson learned from our whole process is that we have to work more with the communities and the rest of the people who live in the country, since everyone is important.
There are many people who live in the city and have farms in very remote areas and for this and other reasons it is very important to spread the word in the main cities and all the towns where possible.
The strategy is unique and is to reach the majority, or everyone if possible, although this implies a greater effort and work, but we know that the fruits will be seen in the medium or long term.