The project’s primary objective is to promote sustainable tourism as a conservation and economic strategy while safeguarding critical habitats for humpback whales and other cetaceans. It aims to generate new knowledge about these species through citizen science and participatory mapping. Engaging local fishing communities, who face economic vulnerability due to the CIIT, is central to the project. Community members will contribute their knowledge to the identification of whale aggregation areas, the design of navigation routes, and the development of whale-watching activities.

By conducting systematic cetacean monitoring and oceanographic analyses, the project will assess the impacts of climate change on species distribution and propose adaptive conservation strategies. This includes creating sustainable whale-watching tourism guidelines aligned with Mexican regulations, evaluating the economic potential of these activities, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among community members.

The expected outcomes include a photographic catalogue of cetaceans, ecological niche models, sustainable navigation guidelines, and a framework for whale-watching tourism. The project will also empower communities by training participants in monitoring techniques, sustainable tourism practices, and conservation principles, ensuring long-term benefits.

Ultimately, this initiative integrates transdisciplinary approaches to address ecological, social, and economic challenges in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Combining scientific research with local knowledge will advance marine conservation and provide sustainable economic alternatives for vulnerable communities, demonstrating the potential of community-driven conservation efforts.