Community leadership and participation is vital to the co-creation of effective biocultural conservation initiatives for the long-term. Each year, the Center supports 10-15 projects involving ~150 local and indigenous community members. These projects represent partnerships between Center staff and community members working toward common goals; projects focus on monitoring, education, capacity building and restauration. Projects address local needs, provide economic alternatives, and integrate science, education, traditional ecological knowledge, and local leadership. Community projects run at different levels of autonomy. Initially, Center staff take more of a leadership role and community members engage as participants. As community members gain more experience and initiative, they assume more leadership responsibility, with Center staff offering continuing accompaniment. Conservation-related careers are increasing as an alternative to the unsustainable fisheries economies in the region. Click below to learn more about the Center’s involvement with community-based conservation efforts.