Of all the international conferences on marine mammals that have taken place worldwide, none have devoted their attention solely to humpback whales. Although this particular species is likely to be the most observed and most studied, this will be the first conference that humpback whale specialists do not have to meet on the sidelines.
The Humpback Whales World Congress has been established with the intentions of advancing scientific inquiry and conservation efforts of the humpback whales in their feeding ground, their breeding site and in their migration path. The congress will bring together national and international researchers, scientists and organizations working in the various fields of research and conservation.
Taking place during the 2015 WHALE FESTIVAL, this conference will be held in Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar, from June 29th – 3rd July 2015.
Cetamada
Cetamada organisation, in partnership with the University of Antananarivo and the ‘Festival des Baleines’ will be hosting this event.
CETAMADA is a Malagasy organisation established since 2009, and is dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and their habitat in Madagascar. The organisation is committed towards a sustainable development approach through the involvement of the local population.
CETAMADA activities are focused on four types of action: training and promotion of responsible and sustainable ecotourism, education and awareness of the environment and marine heritage, development of community activities and scientific research.
Situated on Île Sainte-Marie, in the North East of Madagascar, the association bases their work on the entire territory of Madagascar, including Nosy Be, Mahajanga, Tulear, Fort Dauphin, Mahambo, and Maroantsetra.
Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Sainte Marie is an island paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Described as a natural green oasis with its primitive forests, plant species, waterfalls, seabed and humpback whales, Sainte Marie is a tropical paradise at the edge of the world, unspoiled by mass tourism. It is a haven of peace and luxury.
Le Festival des Baleines
This celebratory festival will be taking place on Sainte Marie island from the 4th to the 12th July 2015.
Why July? July marks the beginning of the annual return of the whales into the Sainte Marie canal. Usually first sightings take place around mid-June and it is from here, until late September, that the humpback whales cruise the canal, as their haven of peace to give birth and to breed before returning to the Antarctica. July in Sainte Marie becomes the breeding ground, the feeding ground, and the migration-break of the humpback whale and calf. Sainte Marie island where life is good, as agreed by the whales!
Visit https://hwwc2015.org/index.html to find out more.