Kawsay Biological Station
Kawsay Biological Station Partner Snapshot Partner Kawsay Biological Station Location Peru, Latin America Category Capacity Building and Training Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Forest Management Through Monitoring Primates Date Founded 2018 Website www.kawsaycenterperu.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Kawsay Biological Station The Kawsay Biological Station is a wildlife research non-profit located in Madre de Dios, Peru — one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Kawsay is a Quechua word that means life. Just one hour by boat from the city, the research station works in the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve. This buffer zone is heavily impacted by illegal gold mining, selecting logging, and hunting. Kawsay is committed to monitoring, providing education, and managing research programs, which are available to everyone, whether they are a conservation professional or not. One of Kawsay’s major current projects is the reintroduction of a population of Endangered Black-faced spider monkeys to the area. Since 2018, there have been 15 births in the reintroduced spider monkey population. Kawsay’s efforts, therefore, have allowed the species to re-establish in an area where it was previously extinct. Their Challenges The lower part of the Madre de Dios River has suffered greatly from illegal gold mining, logging, and hunting. However, since the construction of Kawsay Biological Station, no further illegal activities have been registered in the area. Kawsay’s monitoring of the forest is essential in continuing to prevent illegal activities in Madre de Dios. Their Approach Kawsay’s approach to the conservation of the natural wonders of Peru is multi-faceted, with a focus on research. Their practices include: Management of the forest through patrolling and surveillance Training local and international student, providing them with the opportunity to learn about the forest and do their own research under the guidance of our experienced biologists Promoting research, with a current focus on the Black-faced spider monkey. In the last year, 9 new species were discovered at the Kawsay Biological Station. Why They Need Your Help Kawsay’s research and forest monitoring work is reliant upon donations to continue. Every year, 12-24 local students are selected to be trained at Kawsay. Your donation directly contributes to the preservation of the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and all the species that call it home.
Fundación ProAves
Fundación ProAves Partner Snapshot Partner Fundación ProAves Location Colombia, Latin America Category Endangered Species Land Purchases Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Save Colombia’s Chocó Rainforest Date Founded 1998 Website www.proaves.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Fundación ProAves The Fundación ProAves was hatched 25 years ago by a group of Colombian conservationists desperate to save the Yellow-eared parrot from the brink of extinction. They succeeded in what is widely considered one of the greatest species revivals ever documented. Inspired by this new hope, ProAves expanded its efforts to save other globally threatened species, especially birds and amphibians throughout Colombia, by means of research, innovative conservation actions, and community outreach. ProAves is the leading national conservation non-profit in Colombia, which is one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth. ProAves is active across all major biomes and regions of Colombia and manages 28 Nature Reserves in critical biodiversity hotspots, permanently protecting the homes of countless endangered species and unique habitats. The passion and commitment to conservation shown by the ProAves family is nurtured by alliances and collaboration with local and indigenous communities, with whom they work to save biodiversity. The mission of Fundación ProAves is to protect birds and biodiversity in Colombia through research, specific conservation actions, and outreach with the community. Their Challenges Colombia is home to an astounding diversity of landscapes, included a vast area of the Amazon, the glacier-capped mountains of the Andes, mangroves along the Pacific Coast, vast stretches of the Caribbean Sea, and the open savanna of the Orinoco River basin—combined, these habitats hold some of the greatest biological diversity on the planet. In fact, Colombia is second only to Brazil as the most “megadiverse” country on earth, hosting over 10% of the planet’s biodiversity. Worldwide, it ranks first in bird and orchid species diversity and second in plants, butterflies, freshwater fishes, and amphibians. Tragically, Colombia currently faces multiple major threats to its once-vast forest landscapes. The instability from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis allowed unscrupulous persons to invade protected areas and exploit natural resources as government entities struggled to respond. Combining this with the 2016 peace process that sparked a tsunami of natural resource exploitation and colonization, deforestation rates are skyrocketing to some of the highest worldwide. The unprecedented exploitation of Colombia’s natural treasures has decimated vital habitats necessary for the survival of many unique and range-restricted species. ProAves has scaled up their actions to stop deforestation. They continue to face mounting challenges but will continue to fight to save precious wildlife and habitats across Colombia. Their Approach ProAves conservation approach is built on 25 years of effective science-based, laser-focused biodiversity conservation action. Their tried and tested field experience has led to some of the most successful conservation impacts and outcomes in Latin America. Their objectives include: Targeted Research in Search of Conservation Solutions: Locating priority areas for endangered species, increasing knowledge of threats to those species, designing conservation actions that address those threats, and establishing conservation strategies for Colombia. Direct Conservation Action: Implementing science-based action plans and strategies to save endangered species and sites. This includes establishing new Protected Areas, improving and strengthening reserve management plans, and promoting policies for the protection and conservation of biodiversity and their habitats. Community Outreach: Working with local people is key to ensuring conservation actions survive in the long term. ProAves prioritizes environmental education for youth and helps provide communities with knowledge and skills to sustainably benefit from nature, such as ecotourism training and maintaining traditional knowledge and practices. ProAves Reserves are not islands of biodiversity, but are instead interactive nodes of conservation within the larger landscape. ProAves makes a concerted effort to work with and educate the community through campaigns, workshops, and capacity building. A clear example of these actions is at the El Paujíl ProAves Reserve, where direct conservation and environmental education carried out to save the Critically Endangered Blue-billed curassow resulted in a ban on hunting this turkey-sized bird. Consequently, the population density of the curassow has increased from 3.1 individuals per km2 in 2004 to over 8.4 individuals per km2 in 2020. This significant population increase shows the importance of the protected areas and working with the community. Why They Need Your Help Your donation to ProAves will help them to: Save more than 12% of all bird species on the planet (1,337 bird species in ProAves reserves) Protect in perpetuity more than 160,600 acres of crucial wildlife habitat across Colombia that contains an estimated 10% of all flora and fauna species on Earth Support over 70 conservationists dedicated to protecting Colombia’s wonderful wildlife
Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association (ADOPTA)
Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association Partner Snapshot Partner Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association (ADOPTA) Location Panama, Latin America Category Reforestation Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Support Panama’s Ecosystem Date Founded 2004 Website adoptabosque.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association ADOPTA is a non-profit organization in Panama that works to identify areas with exceptional biodiversity that lack any legal conservation status. They then work to guarantee the protection of these areas. Its primary project is the Cerro Chucanti Private Nature Reserve, where Cerro Chucantí is the tallest peak in the Majé mountain range, rising some 5,000 ft above the surrounding isolated temperate cloud forest. This isolation has allowed endemism to flourish, resulting in over a hundred endemic taxa, many of which are not found anywhere else on Earth. The San Bartolo Private Nature Reserve, bordering Costa Rica in Western Panama, is a rainforest located in the upper watershed of the San Bartolo River that constitutes some of the last remnants of lowland Pacific rainforest of western Panama. It presents high similarities with wildlife otherwise restricted to extreme southeastern Costa Rica, including the biodiverse Osa Peninsula. Their Challenges Panama faces several environmental challenges, including ongoing deforestation and degradation. Many species are losing habitat at an unsustainable rate. The illegal wildlife trafficking trade is another major threat faced by Panama’s wildlife. Their Approach ADOPTA has expanded the Cerro Chucantí Private Nature Reserve, discovered new species, and safeguarded critical habitats. The recently acquired San Bartolo Private Nature Reserve preserves the last remnants of lowland Pacific rainforest and fosters biodiversity akin to the biodiverse Osa Peninsula. Why They Need Your Help ADOPTA seeks support to be able to continue land purchases, monitor wildlife, support local indigenous interns, and cover operational costs of education programs. Support is especially needed to cover the maintenance costs of the field stations within the nature reserves, salaries for the reserve staff, travel costs to the remote areas where they work, and vehicle maintenance. By donating, you play a vital role in preserving the unique ecosystems of Panama and the remarkable species that inhabit them.
ASITY Madagascar
ASITY Madagascar Partner Snapshot Partner ASITY Madagascar Location Madagascar, Africa Category Community Support and Development Ecosystem Restoration Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Help monitor biodiversity in Madagascar Date Founded 2008 Website asity-madagascar.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted About ASITY Madagascar ASITY Madagascar is a non-profit organization based in Antananarivo that works to conserve Madagascar’s biodiversity through sustainable community development and education. ASITY manages four protected areas: The Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetlands Complex is located in the northwestern part of Madagascar. It is a refuge for many important endemic and threatened species. The Mangoky-Ihotry Wetlands Complex is located in the Atsimo Andrefana and Menabe regions. This unique landscape contains dry forests, spiny forests, lakes, mangroves, and swamps. The extensive lowland forest of Tsitongambarika, located in the Tolagnaro District and The 24,760 acres of Torotorofotsy wetland, located in Andasibe in central Madagascar. At each location, ASITY conducts ecological monitoring, research on target species, and engages in conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in collaboration with communities. Their Challenges Wildlife and their habitats face numerous threats in Madagascar. With an estimated 80% of the human population living below the poverty line, people in Madagascar resort to unsustainable practices in order to get by. Such activities include wildlife poaching and deforestation for firewood and charcoal production. ASITY is working to reverse these trends and assists communities in transitioning over to sustainable habits. Their Approach ASITY fosters long-term behavior change in local communities through environmental education. They empower both current and future generations to understand the connection between the conservation of local natural resources and their own well-being. Why They Need Your Help ASITY is increasing their work in the ecotourism, health, and education sectors in order to improve the socio-economic conditions in the areas they protect. In doing so, they are investing in the future of Madagascar and ensuring the critical lands they are conserving remain protected far into the future. These increased efforts are resulting in an increased positive impact for conservation, but to continue, they need funding.
Association Analasoa
Association Analasoa Partner Snapshot Partner Association Analasoa Location Madagascar, Africa Category Capacity Building and Training Endangered Species Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Preserve Tsimanampesotse’s Biodiversity For Future Generations Date Founded 2018 Website facebook.com/andranovaoanalasoa Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Association Analasoa The Analasoa Association is located in Tsimanampesotse National Park (TNP) of southwestern Madagascar, an area that is considered one of the world’s highest conservation priorities. The site contains different habitats including coastal areas, the Mahafaly plateau, and the southwestern spiny forest of Madagascar. These dry, spiny forests represent a unique and highly diverse ecosystem with an exceptionally high number of endemic species. It is also one of Madagascar’s most threatened vegetation types — the forest cover was reduced by 45% between 1973 and 2013. Inhabited by the Mahafaly people, whose livelihoods are dependent entirely on the use of natural resources, TNP is also one of the most economically and climatically disadvantaged regions. High forest degradation rates are the result of fire, grazing, slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, and production of fuelwood and charcoal. Their Challenges Located in one of the most impoverished parts of Madagascar, the challenges of sustaining wildlife and natural habitat are immense and can only be successfully overcome through the active participation of both local community members and Tsimanampesotse National Park officials. These challenges include significant deforestation and wildlife poaching. Their Approach Association Analasoa takes a varied approach, managing a variety of conservation and sustainable development programs. They empower local communities to shift their understanding of conservation. They manage educational nurseries, implement capacity-building programs, and much more. Association Analasoa has achieved remarkable success through their initiatives and programs. Why They Need Your Help Your donation will help protect endangered species, increase the surveillance of Tsimanampesotse National Park, increase the capacity for ecotourism in the area. Donations directly contribute to the positive transformation of TNP, fostering biodiversity conservation among future generations.
Association Fanamby
Association Fanamby Partner Snapshot Partner Association Fanamby Location Madagascar, Africa Category Wildlife Conservation Ecotourism Reforestation Urgent Appeals Support the protection of Menabe Antimena Date Founded 1997 Website association-fanamby.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Association Fanamby Association Fanamby is a non-profit organization that was created to ensure sustainable management of protected landscapes and seascapes in Madagascar. They hold a critical role in managing protected areas across Madagascar. Fanamby has a multidisciplinary team comprised of 110 full-time staff, and they collaborate with 550 local communities to preventing wildfires and illegal activities, ultimately managing over 1.3 million acres of Madagascar. Their Challenges Madagascar faces immense challenges in protecting and restoring its wildlife and natural habitats. Forest degradation from fires, grazing, slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, and the production of fuelwood and charcoal are the main challenges they face today. Their Approach Fanamby pioneers nature-based businesses like ecotourism to promote biodiversity conservation. They support farmer cooperatives and connect international buyers to local farmers, thereby ensuring responsible farming practices, increased farmer returns, and reduced pressures on forests. Fanamby also manages reforestation projects, community environmental education, and protected area patrols. Why They Need Your Help Fanamby protects some of the most important parks and reserves on the planet. Their team prevents forest fires, stops illegal carcoal production and arrest and prosecute those involved in illegal logging operations. Your donation plays a vital role in managing protected areas, preserving Madagascar’s biodiversity, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the country’s natural resources.