KULCHA Symposium Presenter, Dassia Ucles & Crocodile Research Coalition: Crocodiles and Mayas

I’ve always been interested in animals, which eventually led me into the conservation work. I am the Program Coordinator for the Crocodile Research Coalition and my job is to promote education, and build an interest in stewardship and pride in local wildlife. The goal is to promote coexistence with crocodiles and other wildlife, which includes discussing how crocodiles were revered by the ancient Mayan civilization.

About the Presentation

Thematic Session:Traditional Ecological Knowledge - September 3rd, 2021 from 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM (UTC-6:00)

The Crocodile Research Coalition is a nonprofit organization; our mission is to promote conservation of crocodiles and their habitats throughout Central America through community involvement, research, and education. Education is key to opening many doors and as an NGO that conserves these species in fishing communities specially, we connect with the people through outreach, culture, eco-clubs, and a lot of community involvement. What also plays a big role in our educational outreach is the history of crocodiles in Belize, which includes the ancient Mayan civilization. Crocodiles were revered, not feared, in the ancient culture, seen as a special creature chosen by the gods to guide people to life.