African Aquatic Conservation Fund

Our Mission: Through focused research, conservation, and education actions, the African Aquatic Conservation Fund is dedicated to the preservation of African manatees, turtles, cetaceans and other aquatic wildlife and their habitats throughout the African continent. We work in close partnership with local people, scientists, governments, and other stakeholders for the benefit of both wildlife and humans. Our History: The African Aquatic Conservation Fund was created in November 2014 by Dr. Lucy Keith-Diagne and Tomas Diagne to address the severe declines in African manatee, cetacean, turtle, and tortoise species that they were witnessing firsthand across the African continent. Together with our advisors and partners, AACF was formed in order to focus effective and timely research, conservation, and educational outreach efforts to preserve little known and poorly studied aquatic species and their habitats. Prior to creating AACF, Lucy and Tomas each worked in wildlife research and conservation for over 25 years and currently have collaborative projects and partnerships in ten African countries. Dr. Salvatore Cerchio joined AACF in 2020 as the Director of African Cetaceans and Dr. Angela Formia joined in 2021 as the director for West African Sea Turtles. AACF currently has four programs: - The African Manatee Program, PI Dr. Lucy Keith-Diagne - The African Chelonian Institute, PIs Mr. Tomas Diagne and Dr. Angela Formia - The African Cetaceans Program, PI Dr. Salvatore Cerchio - The Senegal Stranding Network, PIs Dr. Lucy Keith-Diagne, Dr. Wim Mullié and Mr. Tomas Diagne