Lecture on boundary monitoring given within Las Tangaras Nature reserve
Our Conservation Coordinator and leader of the Adopt-a-Plot initiative, Olivia Couchman, has given us an update on one of the ongoing conservation projects we support.
For the past 8 months, Healthy Planet has been supporting conservation work within four nature reserves in Colombia, in partnership with the local conservation organisation, ProAves. The reserves include two lush lowland tropical rainforests of the Magdalena valley (El Paujil and Pauxi Pauxi Nature reserves) and two Pacific coastal forests of the Chocó region (El Pangan and Las Tangaras Nature reserves).
Why is it important
As global demand for commodities like gold and coffee increases, the reserves are increasingly under threat of expanding agriculture, mining, logging, hunting, and other methods of exploiting their natural resources.
Project aim
The project aims to protect 46,000 acres of tropical rainforest within two critical hotspots for endemic species (that is, those that are only found within Colombia) and threatened biodiversity. This will be done through the training and deployment of forest guard teams within each reserve to increase the protection of the reserves. The guards will also monitor endangered flagship species, assist reforestation of recently acquired pasturelands to establish vital wildlife corridors between forest blocks, and interact and liaise with local communities to secure local goodwill and support.
Our contribution
Healthy Planet is proud to have supported the training and deployment of half the forest guardians needed, via funding raised through Adopt-a-Plot.
Forest Guardians (L-R) Hugo Fuentes, Guia Eduard Guarin, Jose Rojas, Uber Garcia sporting Healthy Planet shirts
How we have helped
The Guards have been trained in a range of disciplines, including:
- GPS and boundary monitoring
- computer skills
- bird identification from sight and song
- wildlife monitoring, camera trapping
- first aid
- snake bite management
Each guardian equipped with:
- full uniforms
- GPS data loggers
- digital camera
- binoculars
Right and below are some images of the new guards showing off their new skills and equipment.
To find out more about helping us and our project partners complete the training of these vital guards:
http://healthyplanet.org/adopt/adopt-a-plot/park.aspx?id=26
To learn more about ProAves:
http://www.proaves.org/proaves/index.php?lang=en
Guards create clearly marked boundaries around the reserve
Learning to identify the local birdlife to monitor the species diversity
ProAves team members train the rangers in basic computer skills to help with their work
If you would like to nominate a project/park for our adopt a plot fundraising programme please get in touch.
conservation@healthyplanet.org
