Bárbara Galletti

Commercial whaling is the cause of the rapid disappearance of great whales in the South Pacific Ocean. When Bárbara Galletti realised this, she knew she had to take action, even though she wasn’t a trained nature conservationist (she has a background in hydraulic engineering). In 2001, she co-founded the Cetacean Conservation Centre, with the conservation and long-term recovery of populations of these species as its goal. They combine scientific research, coastal community development and the promotion of marine conservation measures. Bárbara’s knowledge and enthusiasm have proven to be vital in positioning Chile as a whale conservation leader at the International Whaling Commission.

Background
With a background as a hydraulic engineer, Bárbara Galletti did not expect that she would follow the path that in the end would lead to the conservation of whales. This changed when Bárbara saw all the threats marine mammals were facing because of human actions. Bárbara’s knowledge and enthusiasm have been vital in positioning Chile as a whale conservation leader at the International Whaling Commission.

Vision and Approach
Commercial whaling is the cause of the rapid disappearance of great whales in the South Pacific. When Bárbara got acquainted with marine conservation projects, she realised what threats the declining whale populations were facing and was driven to take action. By raising awareness and support and effectively combining that with coastal community development and scientific research, she built an enormous body of support for the conservation of whales. In 2001, she co-founded the Cetacean Conservation Centre, with the conservation and long-term recovery of populations of these species as its goal.