In an exciting week of international conservation collaboration, Conservation Allies and ten of our Latin American partners convened today at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Our partners are tackling urgent threats throughout Latin America—deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat fragmentation—with innovative, community-driven solutions.
This year’s gathering showcases remarkable achievements:
Defensores de la Naturaleza (Guatemala) now protects 14% of Guatemala’s National System of Protected Areas and recently completed the Biological Station “Hector Centeno” at Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve—a living laboratory for ecosystem research.
FUNDAECO (Guatemala) has pioneered co-ownership of nature reserves with indigenous communities while supporting over 20 women’s health clinics and scholarships.
AESMO (Honduras) has secured more than 5,930 acres for perpetual conservation through co-management with Indigenous partners
ADOPTA (Panama) has described over 25 new species with 50+ more pending publication!
Additional partners presenting include ANCON, Fundación Cambugan, Fundación ProAves, Así Conserva Chile, and Ekos Brasil (and Moises Bertoni in attendance)—each demonstrating how local expertise and international support create lasting conservation success.
Through Conservation Action Awards totaling over $8.5 million, year-end matching funds for core operational needs, and promotion of fundraising appeals to our US donor network, Conservation Allies empowers organizations making measurable impact on the ground.
We are very grateful to the UAE government for supporting all the costs (flights, accommodation, food, etc.) for our partners to participate in the World Conservation Congress.