Groupe Local d'Observation et d`Identification des cétacés de la Réunion

Programs of action are lead on multiple scales: • at a local level, the association leads scientific studies as well as awareness activities. We believe it is essential that our actions should help the local population to feel involved with the island's environment, as well as ocean protection in general. This is why we communicate in various manners among scientists, schools and the general public; • at a regional level, the association is a stakeholder in a network of speakers among states of the Indian Ocean. It develops research programs within the framework of regional cooperation. It is also an opportunity to promote our know-how and our partnerships in Reunion island; • at a national level, GLOBICE coordinates the Stranding Network of Reunion island, in direct collaboration with the national Stranding Network. The association is a member of the IUCN. The results of our studies are also presented on multiple scales: • at a local scale, to the local authorities in order to help decision making concerning cetaceans; • at a regional scale, to the member states of the COI (Indian Ocean Commission) cetacean network in order to increase research on marine mammals and migratory species; • at a national scale, to the national Stranding Network, coordinated by the Research Center on Marine Mammals of La Rochelle. The results of GLOBICE concerning the cetaceans of Reunion island were used to elaborate species conservation statuses for (the IUCN ?) Red Lists; • at an international scale, the association has participated in international conferences and workshops (including the International Whaling Commission), and published papers in scientific reviews.