WDC welcomes Solinia – a new Peruvian NGO
WDC welcomes Solinia! A new, and much-needed conservation NGO based in Iquitos, the riverside capital city of the Peruvian Amazon. Solinia’s founder and Director is Cedric Gilleman, ”I founded Solinia to focus on the protection of river dolphin species living in Peru and facing many threats; the name, Solinia is derived from the Latin names of both types of river dolphin livng here; Sotalia and Inia and also the Spanish for ‘sun’ which is ‘sol’.
Iquitos acquired international status in 2012 as host of the commemorative plaque of the Amazon River; one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Solinia will tackle problems faced by river dolphins and other aquatic animals. ”First we need to address the lack of environmental awareness amongst residents of Iquitos and the problems this causes for river dolphins and the Amazon habitats surrounding the city”. River dolphins and their riverine homes are threatened by entanglement in fishing nets, deliberate killing, pollution (including plastic litter, mercury, oil, sewage) and increasing boat traffic.
Cedric is building up a dedicated team supported by committed volunteers; WDC is helping them look for support and funding to set up conservation and education projects in Iquitos dedicated to river dolphin protection.
Solinia now has a website and a Facebook page
