The VOCAL Project

(Voice Of Conservation Action Leaders)

VOCAL aims to empower local conservation leaders through transboundary partnerships and a more impactful platform for marine conservation and management.

VOCAL is based on the ancient African philosophy of Ubuntu, « I am because you are. »

VOCAL is a multi-country/ multi-project regional platform to:

  • Promote discussions about successes/challenges

  • Exchange ideas/experiences/methodologies/techniques/etc.

  • Establish/strengthen collaborations and conservation strategies

  • Identify priorities

  • Implement multi-country projects — apply for funding

  • Be the regional voice/resource for national governments

Although sea turtles are at the core of the VOCAL initiative, VOCAL’s impact is on the broader marine environment and the local communities that depend on it.

VOCAL believes that the human dimension needs to be wisely and strategically integrated into every project to ensure long-term conservation uptake and success.

VOCAL-Regions

  • VOCAL-West Africa (launched): Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria.

  • VOCAL-Central Africa (launched): Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome & Principe, Congo, and Angola

  • VOCAL-Asia Pacific (launched): Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

  • VOCAL- Western Pacific (launched): Indonesia (West Papua),  Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.

  • VOCAL- South Asia (being launched): India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives

  • VOCAL-Middle East (being launched)