Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Launches “Be GatorWise” Campaign

Introduction

With increasing alligator activity across Florida’s waterways, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has initiated the “Be GatorWise” public awareness campaign. This initiative aims to promote safer behaviors around alligators and provide consistent, science-based guidance to minimize human-alligator conflicts. The campaign supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Context and Need for the Campaign

Florida’s rapid population growth has led to more people living and recreating near lakes, ponds, and freshwater bodies, increasing the likelihood of human-alligator interactions. According to Matthew Nichols, FWC Alligator Management Program Coordinator, alligators inhabit nearly all water bodies in Florida, making it essential for residents and visitors to remain vigilant.

Campaign Collaboration and Objectives

“Be GatorWise” delivers unified safety messaging developed in collaboration with 11 wildlife agencies across the American alligator’s native range. The campaign aims to:

1. Correct misconceptions about alligators.
2. Provide practical tips for safe coexistence.
3. Highlight the ecological importance of alligators in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems, aligning with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Alligator Population and Safety Recommendations

Florida is home to approximately 1.3 million alligators. To reduce the risk of dangerous encounters, the FWC recommends the following precautions:

• Never feed or approach alligators.
• Properly dispose of fish scraps.
• Keep pets away from the water’s edge.
• Always supervise small children near water.
• Maintain a safe distance when an alligator is seen.

Conclusion and Further Information

The “Be GatorWise” campaign exemplifies responsible environmental stewardship and community safety, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by preventing injuries and promoting safe interactions with wildlife. For more information and detailed safety tips, individuals are encouraged to visit GatorWise.org.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on reducing human-alligator conflicts, which directly relates to ensuring safety and preventing injuries or fatalities.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • With increasing population growth near freshwater bodies, the article addresses the need for safe coexistence in urban and peri-urban environments.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article highlights the ecological role of alligators in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems and promotes coexistence with wildlife.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents and other preventable causes (extended here to include human-wildlife conflicts).
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.6:
   • Number of human injuries or fatalities caused by alligator encounters (implied by the focus on reducing risk and promoting safety).
2. Indicator for SDG 11.7:
   • Proportion of population living near freshwater bodies with access to safety information and measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict (implied through the public awareness campaign).
3. Indicators for SDG 15.1 and 15.5:
   • Population size and health of American alligators (mentioned as approximately 1.3 million in Florida).
   • Extent of freshwater ecosystem health and biodiversity (implied by the role of alligators in maintaining ecosystems).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: positivelyosceola.com