Who we are
We are a network of people who are motivated to work together to conserve the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin.
© S Dines
Our Mission – Connect, Share, Inspire
The mission of HuDoNet is to foster and facilitate collaborative research and management efforts, sharing expertise to support conservation initiatives for Indian Ocean humpback dolphins across their range. We strive to work together and attract resources to support local initiatives, while unifying and amplifying our voices to draw the attention the species' needs.
Our Aims
The aim of the Network is to galvanise action to improve the conservation status of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin throughout its global range.
Specific objectives are
-
Conduct collaborative research on Sousa plumbea from across the range to answer conservation questions
-
Build capacity among local stakeholders to conduct research and conservation management of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins
-
Identify and prioritise critical gaps and threats, and develop and execute a Species Action Plan
Working Groups
As a network, we are working together to understand the human-dolphin conservation system so that we can identify leverage points where we can effect change most efficiently. We have identified 5 themes within this system and we have set up Working Groups to focus on these themes:
Our work concentrates on these aspects of understanding the system in a solution-focussed way to empower researchers and conservationists to work with stakeholders to design conservation plans that are grounded in science.
© Simon Elwen
Biological Research Working Group:
Understanding the conservation biology of the dolphins including ecology (population demographics), genetics, survey methodology (photo-id, acoustics), strandings and health, and more.
We recognise the power and potential that comes from all lived experiences and that a cohesive representation of all provides the most transformational positive outcomes for all. We understand that we rise together and we welcome equitable input from diverse communities. We are conscious of the impact of disadvantage and we promote a voice for all with an open and listening ear.
We encourage all participants and interested parties to contribute and we support dialogue and tolerance without judgement. We celebrate and embrace our similarities and differences, understanding that our uniqueness is our gift in this shared environment.
We seek to create a framework that honours diverse perspectives, develops understanding, recognises wisdom - both old and new - and promotes justice, equity, diversity and inclusivity in addressing our use of and impact on our shared coastal systems.
© Chole Mjini
What we are doing
Indian Ocean humpback dolphins are the focus of our attention, yet when it comes to effecting conservation, HuDoNet cannot view the dolphins in isolation. As the IUCN’s Conservation Planning Specialists put it, when planning to conserve species, “recognising ecological complexity without recognising social complexity is a recipe for wasted effort....”
Understanding the whole system, with a focus on solutions
To conserve humpback dolphins, we need to improve our understanding of them, and we need to research and understand the human activities and man-made products that threaten the dolphins and their ecosystem. Further, it is vital to be solution-focussed, avoiding the tendency to just describe the problems, and include research about the best ways to remedy the issues.
Since researchers are unlikely to be the ones to implement many of the conservation actions, right from the start we must identify ways to work with communities, governments, industries to design and implement an evidence-based conservation plan for Sousa plumbea.
Partners and Supporters
As a global network, HuDoNet is committed to openness, accountability, representation and recognising every voice. We enact this commitment through our actions overseen by our dedicated Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity panel.
The J.E.D.I Commitment
Dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals and communities can live a full and dignified life.
JUSTICE
Fostering a sense of belonging by centering, valuing, and amplifying the voices, perspectives and styles of those who experience more barriers based on their identities.
INCLUSION
All the differences between us based on which we experience advantages or encounter barriers to opportunities. Diversity isn't just about racial differences.
DIVERSITY
Allocating resources to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages and barriers -the 'isms'- exist.