SARDI Advances and Achievements

SOUTH AMERICAN RIVER DOLPHIN INITIATIVE SARDI

We have promoted, supported, and guided various actions to work politically hand in hand with national governments, with the aim of having the river dolphin recognized as an umbrella species of special protection.

Formulate the Management and Conservation Plan for South American River Dolphins, funded by the International Whaling Commission.

In Colombia, we provided technical information for the publication of two fishery management resolutions by the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority (AUNAP).

In Bolivia, Law No. 284 declares the Freshwater Dolphin as a Natural Heritage of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, implementing responsible protocols for dolphin watching and working with tourism operators in Beni and Cochabamba.

Establish a partnership with the Ramsar Secretariat to strengthen decision-makers in the Amazon Biome.

In Peru, we reached an agreement with the authorities of the National Service of Natural Protected Areas.

In Brazil, we consolidated institutional partnerships for the protection of dolphins and their rivers. We collaborated with SEMAD Goiás, Reckitt Brazil, and USAID, committing to strengthen the coexistence plan and promote sustainable economic alternatives in favor of the dolphins.

Achievements in the Implementation of River Dolphin Monitoring

Global Declaration for the Protection of River Dolphins and Their Rivers

We convened 13 countries that host river dolphins in Colombia, establishing commitments for the conservation of these cetaceans and their habitat worldwide.

Distribution map of river dolphins in the Orinoco and Amazon regions

We provided essential information on habitat distribution, areas yet to be discovered, and habitat loss due to climate change and deforestation, guiding conservation strategies.

Promotion of responsible river dolphin watching in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador

We strengthened the capacities of communities in sustainable tourism, raising awareness about the protection of dolphins and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Identification of areas with CARDS

In Bolivia, we conducted a successful dolphin count using the Bufeo app and established a water monitoring station to track the threats facing the dolphins.

In Ecuador, we involved the community in monitoring and developed a program to manage dolphin mortality.

We successfully implemented monitoring using Pingers in the Protected Area in the Tapajós River in Brazil, which influenced the update of their management plans. In Brazil, we conducted monitoring in the Branco and Takutu rivers with the passive acoustic tool FPOD. With this monitoring and the installation of e-DNA technology in the Rupununi River in Guyana, we confirmed the presence of South American dolphins in the Ireng River bordering Brazil.

Camilo Diaz – WWF Colombia

Our expeditions to get a closer look at the river dolphin and its habitats

Together with local communities and technical experts, we have explored territories to gather scientific information and raise awareness about the importance of dolphins and their rivers.

Our strengths as the SARDI team

Building trust

Formulate the Management and Conservation Plan for South American River Dolphins, funded by the International Whaling Commission.

Networking

Seven South American countries and WWF offices have been working collaboratively for seven years to protect river dolphins and their habitat.

Sustainability of the SARDI commitment

We continually network in search of new opportunities to strengthen the work we do.

Advocacy for the protection of the river dolphin

We work with the governments of each country to ensure the creation and implementation of policies that protect the species and their habitat.