Whale-watching tour operators

SMART Conservation Tool software

Once plants have been collected, they are transferred to our conservation nursery for propagation, or to our seed lab for viability testing and storage. We are seeing increased effectiveness of these methods with freshly collected seeds and cuttings making it quickly to our staff. As many of these individual plants were not previously known, these actions boost the genetic diversity of ex-situ collections, providing a safe place in the face of environmental degradation.

The Mamba tool allows us to collect plant material via seeds or cuttings from endangered species that we have identified and mapped in the previous building block. This tool has an effective range well over 1000m, making even the most inaccessible areas available for management actions. 

Drone tools have been instrumental as a first step in the assessment of cliff floras. Using drones to get unique viewpoints of these environments, we can now map the distribution and abundance of critically endangered endemic cliff species and expedite their conservation. Field surveys have been conducted in Hawaii, the Republic of Palau, and Madeira (Portugal) with extremely positive results.

This gender integration initiative embeds gender analysis into every aspect of conservation project planning, implementation, and evaluation. It ensures that women’s roles, needs, and aspirations, particularly in natural resource management and ecosystem restoration, are recognized and addressed. A key component is providing targeted training in sustainable practices that boost household food security and foster environmental stewardship.

Women are empowered to assume leadership roles as community leaders, educators, and advocates for sustainable resource management. This enhances their participation in decision-making, particularly where resource management impacts their livelihoods and local ecosystems. Facilitating their engagement in governance structures ensures that conservation strategies are inclusive and equitable.

Women also play a critical role in reducing human-wildlife conflicts, especially with jaguars in the Cerrado. By sharing knowledge of sustainable land-use practices, they help design conflict-mitigation strategies, such as “jaguar-proof” livestock enclosures or diversified livelihood approaches that reduce pressure on habitats. Integrating women’s perspectives into restoration efforts enhances biodiversity recovery and promotes social equity, making this approach transferable to conservation initiatives elsewhere.

The collaborative land management planning initiative creates comprehensive plans to conserve jaguar habitats while considering the livelihoods of local communities. It emphasizes participatory processes that actively involve all stakeholders: local community members, government agencies, NGOs, and wildlife conservation experts. Interactive workshops encourage participants to share insights on land use, conservation priorities, and resource management. These workshops serve both as platforms for gathering input and promoting awareness of jaguar conservation’s critical role within the broader ecosystem.

A key component is the inclusion of biodiversity assessments to systematically evaluate ecosystem health, focusing on jaguar populations and their habitats. Socio-economic factors -such as agricultural practices, local economic dependencies, and cultural values - are also considered to ensure plans are both ecologically and socially sustainable. A multi-stakeholder committee is established to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of these strategies. This committee fosters ongoing dialogue and provides mechanisms for adapting plans as environmental and social conditions evolve. This participatory, adaptive approach ensures a harmonious coexistence between jaguar habitats and sustainable economic activities, and is transferable to other regions facing similar land-use challenges.

The ecotourism development initiative focuses on creating sustainable opportunities centered on jaguar conservation, while showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Cerrado. This initiative includes the establishment of eco-lodges and guided tours designed to highlight jaguar habitats and other wildlife, such as bird species and medium to large mammals. Responsible wildlife viewing is carefully orchestrated to minimize human impact and maximize the chances of observing these elusive big cats in their natural environment.

Educational workshops emphasize the ecological role of jaguars and the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance. Interactive learning experiences cover tracking methods, habitat preservation, and apex predator significance. Additionally, cultural exchanges connect tourists with local rural communities, illuminating traditional practices and fostering appreciation for the region’s natural heritage.

To enhance visibility in the global ecotourism market, marketing strategies promote the unique cultural and natural attractions of the Cerrado. Targeted campaigns encourage eco-conscious travelers, both domestic and international, to engage in responsible tourism that generates income for local communities while directly supporting conservation. This model is transferable to other regions seeking to align economic development with biodiversity protection.