When we’re living in the midst of a global pandemic, it’s easy to forget that vital conservation and environmental issues are ongoing. Luckily, there are organisations that are still working on some of the world’s greatest challenges – and you can help them.
One such conservation and environmental project is Vaquita Hacks, the first virtual hackathon dedicated to finding technological and AI solutions to saving the vaquita from extinction.
Saving vaquita
The vaquita, a small porpoise found only in Mexico’s Gulf of California, is the world’s rarest marine mammal. Vaquitas are regularly caught and drown in nets meant for totoaba, a fish whose swim bladder is a delicacy in Asia. Although totoaba fishing has been outlawed since 1975, it remains a lucrative target for Mexican cartels. The vaquita population has fallen from more than 200 individuals in 2008 to less than ten today. Without urgent intervention, the species will go extinct in 2021.
Vaquita hacks
The Conservation Project International is challenging university students and early career conservationists to come up with solutions in three key areas: wildlife crime law, science analytics, and public engagement and civic action. The hackathon will take place on 12-13 December and you have to apply to take part: https://www.tcproject.co.uk/vaquita-hacks-2020
Who is involved?
The Conservation Project International is partnering with Earth League International, Earth Hacks and the Countering Wildlife Trafficking Institute to deliver this hackathon. While the tech giant Microsoft has pledged $20,000 in prizes for the most innovative hackathon solutions.
So, what are you waiting for? Get involved with Vaquita Hacks!
