Whale watching in Nicaragua
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Cosiguina Volcano is home to the critically endangered Scarlet Macaw with recent reports of only 8 macaw families left in the area. This being the only remaining habitat on the Pacific coast.
This tour promotes the importance of Scarlet Macaws and Humpback Whales to locals and foreign visitors, which can help their conservation in the future as humpbacks in particular are found in many other regions of the world.
During these tours we also take photos and videos of Humpback and share them with the Arcadia Research Group, which use the photos to help identify whales and thus help in their conservation efforts. For every tour participant a donation is also made to the Pure Earth Project:
This project focuses on three main areas – reforestation in Leon and Chinandega regions, forest conservation (avoided deforestation) on the Caribbean coast and support of local conservation projects in the regions we work. In this case funds are directed to activities in Asserrdores and El Rosario community. In the past we have supported Scarlet Macaw research in Cosiquina and funded a beach clean up with the local school in Aserredores. In 2011 in coordination with Fauna and Flora International we are going to fund sea turtle conservation of Hawksbill and Leather back sea turtles in the Asseredores community, where by local community members are trained in sea turtle conservation methods and then employed to work for their protection. These two species of sea turtle are critically endangered and 2010 surveys show Aserredores to be an important nesting ground for these species.
All our local community staff in Aserredores and El Rosario are educated on the importance of humpback whales, marine life and environment. They are trained in good practice techniques for wildlife observation and environmental stewardship. When this is combined with the employment they are motivated to conserve their local environment.
Before each trip departure we give a full briefing to all participants on safety, sustainable trip practices and ways in which to limit environmental impact and observe the wildlife. In this case we will outline our specific guidelines for whale watching.
The foundation of our tour company is built on sustainable practices, which are exemplified by our sustainable policy and responsible travel guidebook. Our policy outlines environmental practices, which include a zero trash policy on tours and using small engine boats when possible.
Community
This tour brings benefits to local community by:
Contracting boats, guides and assistants from the local communities of Aserredores and El Rosario. All our food and drinks are purchased locally within the local communities supporting local enterprise.
At the beginning of the season we will give a presentation to local fisherman about humpback whales and the importance of their conservation. We combine this with an afternoon of games such as football where particularly children can get involved. Local community guides who work with us are given basic training in customer service, conservation and English. Thus providing valuable skills for their future.
Our chosen hotel partner employs all staff from the local community and funds the local school. This tour indirectly supports their efforts by using their services and promoting the hotel through our company. All our tour participants are provided with a digital version of our Responsible Travel Guidebook, which outlines ways to act socially responsible with the community and local culture of Nicaragua.
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