Kategorie: News
Science, Zoos, and Local Communities
For 34 years, the Nuremberg-based species conservation organization Yaqu Pacha e.V. has been dedicated to protecting aquatic mammals in Latin America. The name comes from the indigenous Quichua language and means “water world” - it sums up the organization’s mission and aspirations.
From Nuremberg to South America
Yaqu Pacha was founded in 1992, largely on the initiative of Argentine-born biologist Lorenzo von Fersen. The first projects focused on the endangered Amazon river dolphins; over the years, other species were added. Today, the organization’s work spans the La Plata dolphin and the critically endangered vaquita, as well as right whales, manatees, seals, and giant otters - covering nearly the entire diversity of Latin America’s aquatic mammals.
Over the past 34 years, Yaqu Pacha has funded scientific research, established long-term conservation programs, supported rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and promoted environmental education and capacity-building on the ground. A recurring principle in this work is that species conservation can only succeed in partnership with the people who share their habitat with the protected animals.
A Network as the Backbone of the Work
In a recent announcement marking its 34th anniversary, the organization emphasizes the importance of cooperation: Without a robust network of local researchers, conservation organizations, universities, rescue centers, zoological institutions, and dedicated individuals spanning national and continental borders, this work would not be possible. The exchange of knowledge, experience, and resources within this network helps translate scientific findings into effective conservation measures.
According to Yaqu Pacha, species conservation means far more than simply protecting individual animals: It is about understanding entire populations, reducing threats such as bycatch and habitat loss, and actively involving local communities. Sustainability is a central principle in this effort: Successful species conservation must always consider animals, ecosystems, and people together and develop solutions that are ecologically effective, socially acceptable, and sustainable in the long term.
Species Conservation That Works
Yaqu Pacha combines on-the-ground species conservation with scientific research and the expertise of zoological institutions. This work follows the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s “One Plan Approach”: measures taken both within and outside natural habitats are viewed as part of a unified conservation strategy. Zoos and aquariums contribute their knowledge, experience, and resources, thereby making a vital contribution to the protection of threatened populations.
Yaqu Pacha’s long-standing zoological partners include, among others, the Nuremberg Zoo, the Duisburg Zoo, the Heidelberg Zoo, the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum in Düsseldorf, the Zoo am Meer in Bremerhaven, Zoomarine Algarve, Planète Sauvage, and the Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park. They support the work financially, with expertise, and through their networks.
At the same time, Yaqu Pacha follows the One Health Approach: the health of animals, ecosystems, and people is closely intertwined. This also includes the human dimension of species conservation. Sustainable solutions can only emerge in collaboration with local communities, taking into account their knowledge, needs, and livelihoods.
The PET bottle project in southern Brazil, supported by Yaqu Pacha, demonstrates how this works in practice. In collaboration with fishermen, researchers are scientifically testing a simple method in which attaching PET bottles to fishing nets can significantly reduce dolphin bycatch. The project combines research, dolphin and ecosystem conservation with the interests and future of the local fishing industry - and thus serves as a prime example of species conservation that considers animals, people, and habitats as a unified whole.
For this approach, project leader Dr. Federico Sucunza of the Brazilian partner NGO GEMARS was recently honored with the Science-on-a-Shoestring Award from the Society for Marine Mammalogy - an international recognition for particularly effective, cost-efficient conservation ideas.
On the occasion of its 34th anniversary, Yaqu Pacha thanks all its members, partners, donors, zoos, and other supporters. The protection of endangered aquatic mammals is a shared responsibility - driven by scientific knowledge, local expertise, and long-term commitment.
Further information:
Yaqu Pacha e.V.
https://www.yaqupacha.de