Fátima Ramis is one of Conservation Nation’s 2022 emerging conservationist grant winners. She holds a B.S. in biology from Stetson University and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis on animal welfare research from the University of North Florida. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the University of Florida’s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation department, where her focus is on the human dimensions of natural resource management. Her early life experiences in her birth nation, the Dominican Republic, have motivated her to focus her doctoral work in the only Antillean manatee sanctuary in the country.
Fátima’s career at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has included work in conservation—including community-based conservation—and management of an animal wellness science program. She also has experience monitoring behavior-change-based Pride campaigns with the nonprofit organization, Rare. Currently, she is a member of class 9 of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders. Fátima is passionate about identifying and developing synergies between what people and nature need and supporting local communities in leading conservation efforts.
Increasing Community Participation to Save the Antillean Manatee
Fátima’s goal is to increase community participation in protecting the endangered Antillean manatee in the Marine Mammal Sanctuary of Estero Hondo of the Dominican Republic. In her initial project assessment, Fátima identified logistical barriers, communication challenges, and stakeholder conflicts that have prevented successful community-based conservation within the sanctuary. She hopes to remedy these issues by working with individuals in the local tourism and artisanal fisheries industries to co-design and disseminate a culturally relevant sanctuary guidebook and to distribute a customer survey to local hotel and sanctuary guests. Fátima also plans to conduct interviews with various stakeholders to uncover barriers to collaboration and will observe oyster collectors and fishermen to determine their potential for monitoring manatees. Someday, she hopes the local community can build sustainable livelihoods by engaging in the conservation of their local wildlife.
