FILLING THE GAPS FOR BIRD CONSERVATION I

In Phase I and since, FUNDAECO developed a portfolio of key sites for migratory bird conservation, consolidated and expanded the San Isidro Reserve, advanced protection for priority sites and established a new reserve: La Soledad Reserve (1500 acres of pine oak and broadleaf forest).

This project will advance the protection of key habitats in Northern Huehuetenango, by a multi strategy approach that includes consolidation of 2 nature reserves (San Isidro and La Soledad Reserves), the strengthening of the management capacities of the Todos Santos Cuchumatan Municipal Reserve, and the establishment of Conservation Agreements with communities in Laguna Yolnabaj and in the Cruz Maltin proposed protected area.

FUNDAECO will design a Bird Conservation Regional Strategy, identifying key conservation activities for the already prioritized sites; this Strategy will lead conservation efforts in the region during the next 5-years.

Finally, this project will support the establishment of a local bird monitoring team, in order to ensure long term monitoring within the project sites.

The project will contribute to the protection of a total of 35,415 acres of forests in Huehuetenango, thus, contributing to long term protection of wintering habitats for Neotropical migratory birds.