Defensores de la Naturaleza
DONATE TO DEFENSORES DE LA NATURALEZA Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner: Defensores de la Naturaleza Location: Guatemala, Latin America Category: Community Support and Development Wildlife Conservation Protected Area Management Urgent Appeals: Help Prevent Fires in the Maya Forest Date Founded: 1986 Website: www.defensores.org.gt Partner Qualifications: IUCN MemberA distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. About Defensores de la Naturaleza Defensores de la Naturaleza is the formal environmental organization with the longest history in Guatemala, having been managing and carrying out conservation activities for more than 40 years. Their work has contributed to the conservation of 80% of the Guatemalan flora and fauna species, as well as the management of more than 87 watersheds that supply water to more than 500,000 inhabitants. They are currently responsible for the protection and management of 4 protected areas in the country: Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge, Sierra del Lacandón National Park, and United Nations National Park. These areas are home to much threatened biodiversity, including the Guatemalan fir, the Yucatán black howler monkey, the Jaguar, the Horned guan, the American manatee, and the Resplendent quetzal. Their Challenges Forest fires are one of the main threats to the degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity in the protected areas that Defensores de la Naturaleza co-manages. For this reason, accessing continuous funding to carry out forest fire monitoring and control, especially during the dry season, has become one of their main challenges. Another key focus is to persist in their biological monitoring endeavors, aiming for a conservation model rooted in evidence and data. Simultaneously, their ongoing efforts involve exploring avenues to assist communities residing near protected areas in adapting to climate change. This encompasses initiatives such as promoting water access, implementing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, establishing agroforestry systems, and providing support to local associations, all of which have their unique challenges. Their Approach Defensores de la Naturaleza adheres to five strategic pillars of action to achieve their goals: Climate Action and Resilience: Promoting effective initiatives that contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and enable local populations to adapt and be resilient in the long term Natural Areas and Biodiversity: Establishing measures that contribute to the management and protection of areas crucial for the conservation of biological diversity Environmental Education and Awareness: Supporting the teaching-learning process to strengthen capacities, generate positive attitude changes, and instill environmental care in future generations Organizational Development: Focusing on achieving the optimal functioning of the organization by ensuring the alignment of processes, the efficiency of program execution, and the management of human talent Citizen Advocacy: Seeking to influence decision-making spaces at national and international levels, connecting with individuals and organizations dedicated to the conservation and protection of the environment Why They Need Your Help Defensores de la Naturaleza plays a crucial role in safeguarding Guatemala’s biodiversity. The Protected Areas they manage represent 5% of the Guatemalan territory, supporting over 400 communities dependent on the provided natural resources. Sustaining the protection and effective management of these biodiverse regions requires ongoing financial support for professional salaries and expertise, proper equipment maintenance, expanded research initiatives, improved research stations, and the continuous creation of communication materials to raise national awareness about the environment’s significance. Conservation Allies charges no overhead fees or administration costs meaning 100% of your donation goes directly to Defensores de la Naturaleza. All donations made from the United States are fully tax-deductible.
CREA Peru
DONATE TO CREA PERU Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner: CREA Peru Location: Peru, Latin America Category: Education Ecotourism Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals: None currently Date Founded: 2007 Website: www.centroderescateamazonico.com Partner Qualifications: IUCN MemberA distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. About CREA Peru The Centro de Rescate Amazónico (CREA) is a non profit organization located in the city of Iquitos, the largest in the Peruvian Amazon. Its primary mission is to conserve the biodiversity of the Amazonian biodiversity, which they are achieving through their wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts, complemented by environmental education programs for the local community. Prior to 2007, there was no institution in Peru specifically dedicated to the conservation of the Amazonian manatee. Consequently, all rescued manatees faced mortality due to a lack of knowledge about their proper care. However, in that pivotal year, experts from the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo provided training to local biologists in Iquitos, leading to the establishment of the Centro de Rescate Amazónico. Over the course of 15 years, this collaborative effort has broadened. Now, CREA cares for a wide variety of native species, including manatees, sloths, turtles, pink dolphins, and more. Notably, they have effectively eradicated manatee trafficking in Iquitos over the past five years and have played a role in influencing wildlife-friendly legislation. Educational initiatives have been implemented both in urban areas and remote indigenous communities. These programs work to educate the local population about the importance of wildlife and encourage sustainable forest practices. The Amazon draws thousands of visitors annually, each seeking wildlife encounters and adventure. CREA uses this opportunity to raise awareness about species and ecosystem loss. Through the captivating stories of manatees, they inspire visitors to become advocates for conservation, effectively turning them into ambassadors for the cause. Their Challenges Iquitos city unfortunately stands out as a significant hub for wildlife trafficking, both for consumption and as pets. CREA takes in animals confiscated by authorities and provides them with essential veterinary care, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. The direct involvement of the local population has been instrumental in rescuing other species and reducing trafficking. While significant progress has been made, the battle against wildlife trafficking is far from over. The work extends beyond manatees, and there is much to be done to address the trafficking of other species. The objective is to completely eliminate the trade of these species in Iquitos and expand our efforts to other Amazonian communities. Their Approach CREA aims to promote sustainable resource utilization through a comprehensive approach. The center utilizes the Amazonian manatee as a flagship species, emphasizing its significance and advocating for the protection of its habitat, as well as other species in the Amazon. CREA’s comprehensive approach includes: Rescue: Collaborating with government institutions, CREA has successfully rescued sloths, birds, primates, 60 manatee, and thousands of turtles. Rehabilitation: CREA has developed protocols for managing rescued species, incorporating measures such as quarantine, weaning, and pre-release preparation. Release: Since 2010, CREA has achieved success in releasing 31 manatees, 14 sloths, 9,000 turtles, and 5 pink dolphins, all of which are meticulously monitored in their natural habitat. Education and Awareness: Collaborating closely with schools, universities, and educational authorities, CREA actively works to raise awareness among the population regarding the importance of wildlife conservation. Scientific Research: Engaging in research partnerships with universities and institutes, CREA conducts studies to enhance understanding of wild species, contributing valuable insights to conservation efforts. Advocacy and Legislation: CREA advocates for regional and national ordinances that support the Amazonian manatee and river dolphins, working towards legal frameworks for their protection. Through this multifaceted approach, CREA strives not only to rescue and rehabilitate individual animals but also to address the root causes of threats to wildlife, promoting sustainable practices and fostering a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of species and their habitats in the Amazon. Why They Need Your Help We need your collaboration to continue with the rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts of a great variety of species in the Amazon. Caring for our rescued animals involves considerable costs for feeding, veterinary care, habitat improvement, and more. Donations also enable us to reach the most remote communities in the Peruvian Amazon to implement our environmental education program. Many of these communities are several days away by river navigation, incurring expenses for transportation, educational materials, personnel, and more. This effort is essential because rescuing their native species is just the first step. They need people to understand the importance of preserving these nature treasures. Hence, their educational program is crucial. Your contribution not only ensures the well-being of the animals but also ensures that the significance of their conservation reaches everyone, young and old. Thank you for being part of this mission! Conservation Allies charges no overhead fees or administration costs meaning 100% of your donation goes directly to CREA PERA. All donations made from the United States are fully tax-deductible.
Urgent Protection in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
FUNDING GOAL $12,175 SUPPORT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Join our many supporters in creating a real and meaningful impact for our planet! Partner Snapshot Partner name: Fundación ProAves Location: El Dorado Nature Reserve, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia Appeal Category: Ecosystem Restoration Endangered Species Protected Area Management Reforestation Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Santa Marta Parakeet Santa Marta Toro San Lorenzo Harlequin Frog Challenges and Threats: Illegal Invasions to claim and clear forest Vacation home developments Cattle pasture lands Actions: Reserve rangers Improve Protection Forest restoration The Challenge On Colombia’s Caribbean shores stands the highest coastal mountain on earth. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a corrugated pyramid of rock that rises almost four miles high. This ancient massif that dates back to the Jurassic period contains a microcosm of the entire planet from deserts to rainforest to glaciers with an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals found nowhere else. It is regarded as the planet’s single most important site for threatened and endemic biodiversity, as it boasts the highest concentration of endemic bird species in the world. As a result, the prestigious journal Science dubbed the area the “Most Irreplaceable Site on Earth” and a major priority for biodiversity conservation. Located on the Sierra Nevada’s most vulnerable northwestern flank—less than ten miles from the city of Santa Marta—is perhaps the world’s most important nature reserve: El Dorado. Established in 2005 by our Colombian partner Fundación ProAves, the reserve protects over 3,200 acres, safeguarding habitat for threatened species such as the Critically Endangered Santa Marta Toro and the Santa Marta Harlequin Frog. However, in recent years land speculation around the reserve has spiraled out of control as the reserves offers surrounding areas with exceptional natural resources such as clean water, cooler climes and spectacular views. Unfortunately this speculation has spurred some unscrupulous individuals to try and illegal invade some parts of the reserve to claim land and then sell it. ProAves is desperate to increase protective measures at this Reserve. Urgent Solutions Following decades of uncontrolled colonization and agricultural expansion, less than 15 percent of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta’s original highland forest remains intact. All the more important that the El Dorado Nature Reserve represents one of the last refuges of strict protection for this mecca of endemic biodiversity. Principle threats include illegal invasions of the reserve to claim and clear forest then sell it for vacation home developments. The construction of vacation homes in the cooler climes of the mountain poses a growing danger to the forests and with land prices quadrupling each year, the demand for land is putting immense pressure on the reserve boundaries and what little forest survives outside the reserve. Unfortunately, the area’s many endangered and endemic species are concentrated in these cooler montane forests where threats are greatest. Almost every endemic species in the massif is struggling to survive amidst the continued destruction of their habitat. This appeal will provide critical resources to fund and equip three new Reserve Rangers, establish a new Ranger Station where threats are greatest and establish a communication network for alerts across the reserve to rapidly respond to threats. Why your donation matters With invasions and deforestation placing this biodiversity jewel at tremendous risk, our partner urgently seeks support increase protective measures with additional reserve Rangers, new ranger stations and a communications system for alerts across the reserve. Your help will ensure the reserve continues to be a safe haven for the planet’s most important biodiversity hotspot. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified Partner One of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally Constituted This organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Top Accountability Our experienced team has rigorously reviewed the organization’s annual accounts. Learn More Effective Impact We recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. Conservation Action Heroes We recognize this Partner for their high level of engagement with the Conservation Allies team and their demonstration of a clear commitment to our collective mission of making a real difference and having a major impact on wildlife and communities where it is needed most. SUPPORT THIS APPEAL
