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This is another episode of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program series!
In 2011, Honduras declared all its waters a shark sanctuary. On paper, it looked like a major conservation win. But for the Indigenous Miskito fishers who had relied on sharks for generations, the law came without consultation- turning long-standing practices into crimes overnight.
My guest, Gabriela “Gaby” Ochoa, is a Honduran marine biologist and founder of Ilili, an organization named after the Miskito word for “shark.” Ilili is working to flip the script on top-down conservation by putting local communities at the center of decision-making. From training fishers in scientific methods, to blending traditional knowledge with modern science, to navigating the complexities of shark sanctuaries, Gaby’s work offers a powerful example of what conservation looks like when it’s truly locally driven.
Highlights
- What was the paradox of Honduras’ shark sanctuary and why did top-down conservation backfire here.
- How to build trust with fishers and transform them into collaborators and co-researchers.
- The emotional challenges of shark conservation and the small wins that keep Gaby going.
What YOU Can Do
- Listen first. Conservation that lasts begins by hearing all perspectives, especially those most impacted.
- Find citizen science opportunities by you. And, if you are in Honduras, report shark and ray sightings through Ilili’s website.
- Remember that conservation isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about empowering local communities to lead.
- Shop to support Ilili
Resources
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
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