Global Declaration for River Dolphins | 06 Nov 2023

Source: WWF

Why in News?

Recently, 11 Asian and South American countries signed a landmark deal in Bogota, Colombia to save the world’s six surviving species of river dolphins from extinction.

• This landmark deal signifies a ray of hope in combating the severe decline of river dolphin populations, which have dwindled by a staggering 73% since the 1980s.

What is the Global Declaration for River Dolphins?

• About:
  • The Global Declaration for River Dolphins aims to halt the decline of all river dolphin species and bolster the most vulnerable populations through concerted efforts.
    • It outlines measures such as eradicating gillnets, reducing pollution, expanding research initiatives, and creating protected areas to safeguard the remaining river dolphin species.
  • Countries that adopted the declaration include: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Venezuela.
    • There was also a representative from the regional government in Indonesia that has responsibility for the Mahakam river.
• Foundational Pillars:
  • The eight foundational pillars of the Global Declaration for River Dolphins comprise initiatives like establishing a network of protected areas, improving river dolphin site management, expanding research and monitoring efforts, engaging local communities and Indigenous Peoples, eradicating unsustainable fishing practices, enhancing water quality and quantity, promoting World River Dolphin Day (24^th October) to raise awareness, and augment resource allocation and partnerships.

What are the Key Facts Associated with River Dolphins?

• About:
  • River dolphins are a group of freshwater cetaceans that inhabit various river systems across Asia and South America.
  • The Six Surviving River Dolphin Species include: Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi, and the Yangtze finless porpoise.
    • The Chinese river dolphin was deemed 'probably extinct' in 2007.
  • As per the IUCN Red list, Yangtze finless porpoise are classified as Critically Endangered.
    • Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy and Tucuxi are labeled as Endangered.

• Challenges Faced by River Dolphins:
  • River dolphins are threatened by diverse factors, including unsustainable fishing practices, hydropower dam construction, pollution from various industries, agriculture, and mining, as well as habitat loss.
  • Also, the recent tragic deaths of over 150 river dolphins in the drought-stricken Lake Tefe in the Amazon illustrate how climate change poses an increasingly severe threat to their survival.
• Successful Conservation Efforts:
  • Conservation efforts in populated river basins like the Indus and Yangtze have seen success.
    • For instance, the Indus river dolphin population in Pakistan doubled due to joint stakeholder action.
    • Additionally, the Yangtze finless porpoises witnessed a 23% increase in numbers owing to protective measures.
  • Moreover, the World Wildlife Fund's electronic pinger project saved 80 dolphins in Indonesia's Mahakam river from gill net entanglement.