The Conservation Project International today opens applications for Vaquita Hacks (12-13 December), the world’s first virtual hackathon dedicated to finding innovative technological and artificial intelligence solutions to save the vaquita from extinction.
Delivered in partnership with global experts from Earth League International, Earth Hacks and the Countering Wildlife Trafficking Institute, Vaquita Hacks is open to students and early career conservationists worldwide.
Global technology giant Microsoft, a key sponsor of Vaquita Hacks, will award $20,000 worth of prizes to the most outstanding hackathon solutions.
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 participants will work across three different challenge areas – wildlife crime law, science and criminal analytics and public engagement and civic action – to tackle the specific political and environmental issues faced by the vaquita. The solutions developed by the students in the hackathon will have a direct impact on international conservation efforts, both by assisting Earth League International’s investigatory work in disrupting the illicit totoaba supply chain and by informing future wildlife trafficking projects around the world.
Harry Wright, director and co-founder of The Conservation Project International, said:
“I am delighted to be working with Earth Hacks, Earth League International and the Countering Wildlife Trafficking Institute to develop Vaquita Hacks, the first-ever international virtual hackathon dedicated to finding innovative solutions to save the vaquita from extinction.
“As well as having a real-world impact on the global fight to save the vaquita, Vaquita Hacks will provide valuable professional experience and networking opportunities for our participants. While many young people are passionate about conserving our planet, it can be difficult to find a job in this competitive market. Through projects such as Vaquita Hacks 2020, The Conservation Project International aims to empower the next generation of conservationists to become future leaders in the field.
“Time is rapidly running out for many of our planet’s most amazing creatures, including the vaquita. By bringing together new ideas and innovations through initiatives such as Vaquita Hacks, I am hopeful that we can turn the corner and reverse the callous destruction to our natural world.”
