Wings Across America: 2010 Conservation Awards

International Cooperation Award:  Bird Conservation Partnerships for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sustainability in Mesoamerica

Starting in 1996, the US Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry started training Nicaraguan university students and aspiring biologists, local NGO staff, and local community members in bird conservation methods and sustainable community-based tourism. The emphasis has been on migratory birds and tropical resident species, and the surrounding forest ecosystem. Programs have been designed to conserve cultural and biodiversity resources, to enhance local community and economic development, and to provide a high quality visitor experience.

The major work has taken place in across many part of Nicaragua, but smaller projects have taken place across the Caribbean and Mesoamerica. Many habitat types have been addressed including: marine, coastal and interior wetlands; dry, moist, wet, and cloud forest; elfin woodland; and coffee plantations in Nicaragua’s North and Central highlands, the endangered dry forests, costal estuaries, and marine habitats in the southern Paso del Istmo Green Corridor.

Paso Pacifico is pleased to be a part of this award-winning team led by the US Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry.