Government and National Geographic researchers begin scientific mission in the Gulf of Tribugá

Colombian and international scientists and researchers are tasked with collecting information related to the marine and environmental wealth of the Gulf of Tribugá, in the Chocoan Pacific. This is an alliance between the National Government and National Geographic with which the aim is to find data that contributes to academia while creating strategies for the preservation of the aforementioned space, which is one of the most biodiverse in Colombia.

It was indicated that the mission began on 22 March and will continue to explore the Gulf of Tribugá over the next few days. Even, the expedition will be extended and once it crosses the Pacific, it will move to the Seaflower Reserve, in the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, Santa Catalina and the Keys, to do the same job.

Colombian authorities detailed that Colombian scientists attached to the José Benito Vives de Andreis Marine and Coastal Research Institute (Invemar) and National Geographic participate in the expedition. In addition, officials from Dimar, the Ministry of Environment and academics from the different universities of the country participate.

As for the methodology of the research, it will combine visual censuses through diving, pelagic cameras (to capture large fauna), environmental DNA, analysis of microplastic pollution, marking of sharks, censuses of seabirds and other remote cameras that will record marine life from the surface up to 4,500 meters deep. There is also a manned submarine that can descend up to 450 meters.

President Duque stressed that this expedition is important for the country because it will allow the expansion of marine protected areas, bringing them to 30%. In addition, this makes more sense considering that on 11 February it submitted to UNESCO the document declaring the declaration as a World Biosphere Reserve of the Tribugá-Cupica-Baudó region.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to contributing to the conservation process, this research will help transform regional economies and combat predatory practices such as trawling.

For his part, Enric Sala, resident explorer at National Geographic and executive director of the 'Pristine Seas' program, highlighted the vision of Colombia and President Duque to anticipate the global goal of the so-called 30 X 30 by eight years, of declaring 30% of the territories of countries with nature reserves by 2030.

It is worth mentioning that the expedition is made possible by a collaboration between National Geographic Pristine Seas, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. It also works jointly with researchers from the Universidad Nacional; Universidad Militar Nueva Granada; the Pontifical Bolivarian University of Medellín; the Corporation Center of Excellence in Marine Sciences; Invemar; National Natural Parks; Dimar; the Colombian Ocean Commission; regional management authorities such as Coralina, Codechocó and civil society organizations Colombia Azul, Fundación Malpelo and Dynamic Planet.

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