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
Corporación SalvaMontes
DONATE TO CORPORACIÓN SALVAMONTES Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner: Corporación SalvaMontes Location: Colombia, Latin America Category: Endangered Species Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals: None currently Date Founded: 2016 Website: www.salvamontes.org Partner Qualifications: Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. About Corporación SalvaMontes Corporación SalvaMontes is a non-profit organization in Colombia that focuses primarily on the biodiverse extreme north of the Tropical Andes hotspot. Managing 2,900 acres of natural reserves of cloud forests, they safeguard over 16 Threatened species. Their efforts center on the Alto de Ventanas, a significant biologically rich area at Colombia’s northern central Andes. This region holds prominence in Colombia’s updated National Strategy for Plant Conservation. Furthermore, it’s a proposed Key Biodiversity Area as per IUCN criteria. In the Alto de Centanas, Salva Montes manages three reserves spanning 1,900 acres, strategically placed to protect the magnolia trees, Handley’s slender opossums, and their habitat remnants. They also manage 123 acres of nature reserve in the Darién Gap of Chocó, protecting the unique and endangered Magnificent butterfly palm. Finally, SalvaMontes also co-manages 880 acres of forest in the highlands of northern-central Antioquia, where they are working to conserve the Critically Endangered Antioquia brushfinch. Their Challenges Forests in the Antioquia and Chocó departments of Colombia are in danger of being logged due to the opening of pastures for cattle and illegal wood production. Although these forests are home to a great abundance of biodiversity and several endemic, threatened species, the threat of deforestation continues on. Their primary challenge in guaranteeing the conservation of Colombia’s wildlife is in protecting the most well-preserved fragments of habitat that still remain. THey are also focused on restoring and rewilding the degraded areas of forest in order to reconnect fragments by mending the biological corridors. While restoring forests is very difficult given the region’s deforestation trend, it is a highly effective, essential step in fighting the climate and biodiversity crises of today. Their Approach SalvaMontes implements its conservation projects in the following ways: Creation and management of natural reserves in areas that hold the best remaining habitat fragments Restoration of habitat in degraded areas, allowing for the reconnection of habitat fragments and recreation of biological corridors Propagation and planting of threatened tree species Developing conservation plans for Critically Endangered species like the Antioquia brushfinch, Handley’s slender opossum, Ghost monkey orchid (also known as the Lemurella’s orchid), Magnificent butterfly palm, and Ventanas magnolia tree. Working with local people and landowners, SalvaMontes provides environmental education, raises awareness on environmental issues amongst communities, and works alongside locals in conservation action and sustainable development. Why They Need Your Help Currently, SalvaMontes is executing a conservation project to support the restoration of the natural populations of Magnolia trees. Activities include the monitoring of trees, the collection and germination of seeds in a tree propagation nursery, and the planting of produced trees in their natural habitat. This project will also help the expansion of Los Magnolios Natural Reserve through the purchase of a neighboring land parcel that has a large area of primary forests (608 acres), which will secure habitat for the species that inhabit this protected area. SalvaMontes depends on generous donations to continue their essential conservation work in Colombia. Your donation is used to support actions that produce a direct, positive impact in the conservation of threatened species and their habitats in Colombia. Conservation Allies charges no overhead fees or administration costs, meaning 100% of your donation goes directly to the Partner or Project of your choice. All donations made from the United States are fully tax-deductible.
Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba
DONATE TO SOC Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Appeal Snapshot Partner: Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC) Location: Colombia, Latin America Category: Ecotourism Land Purchases Scientific Research Urgent Appeals: None currently Date Founded: 2019 Website: www.sociedadornitologicadecordoba.org Partner Qualifications: Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. About Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba The Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC) is an early-career non-profit organization based in the city of Monteria, Colombia. The SOC’s aims are: To promote the study, research, and dissemination of ornithology at various academic, educational, and recreational levels To establish the principles of harmonious coexistence with nature, and To promote social and sustainable economic development of nature. SOC seeks to be a leading organization deeply committed to the development of activities contributing to the conservation and valuation of the region’s birds. The projects carried out by the SOC to date include the search for the Sinu Parakeet, a bird lost since 1949, establishing the Agami Heron Birding Trail in the mangroves of Cispatá Bay, and studing large birds of prey to generate knowledge and conservation actions. Their Challenges Colombia is home to an incredibly diverse array of landscapes and habitats. However, almost all of the lowland rainforest in the region have been destroyed and converted to cattle pasturelands, placing enormous threats on local biodiversity, habitats, and water sources. Their Approach SOC’s focus is on studying and generating new information on at-risk species and ecosystems. They are working to protect Colombia’s birds and other wildlife. The SOC is working to carry out the following projects: Create new protected areas for species and ecosystem conservation in Córdoba, such as the Crested Eagle Nature Reserve Research and monitor endangered bird species for in situ conservation, including the Agami heron Continue providing workshops to community members to raise awareness of the importance of conserving ecosystems Build capacities and tools that enable communities to use natural resources sustainably and follow good ecotourism practices, such as the Agami Heron Birding Trail. Why They Need Your Help To continue its critical work in ornithology and conservation, Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba seeks your support. Thanks to its donors, SOC has been able to develop projects with results of great interest to science and a positive impact on local communities. Conservation Allies charges no overhead fees or administration costs, meaning 100% of your donation goes directly to Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba. All donations made from the United States are fully tax-deductible.
Fundación ProAves
DONATE TO FUNDACIÓN PROAVES Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner: Fundación ProAves Location: Colombia, Latin America Category: Endangered Species Land Purchases Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals: Urgent Land Purchase to Save Endangered Species Date Founded: 1998 Website: www.proaves.org/en 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. 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 Conservation Allies charges no overhead fees or administration costs, meaning 100% of your donation goes directly to Fundación ProAves. All donations made from the United States are fully tax-deductible.
