News

New NGOs take the stage

August 16, 2018

Congratulations to all the CLP alumni who have recently helped establish non-government organizations to support research and conservation. Many of these individuals received CLP project funding and attended CLP’s Conservation Management and Leadership training course. Learn more about their hopes and dreams for these organizations.

Aves Bolivianas was formed in May 2017 and is dedicated to the conservation of birds and their natural habitats in Bolivia. CLP alumni E. Gustavo Sánchez and Noemí Esther Huanca Llanos are two of the co-founders. Anahi Cosky Paca Condori, another co-founder, attended CLP’s proposal writing course in Bolivia back in 2010. The NGO invites participation from all stakeholders that have an interest in birds. At the moment, this team is focused on recruiting members and staff. However, plans for education and sustainable development activities are in the works, including projects that improve the management of cattle ranches and agricultural properties. After completing CLP’s training courses, Gustavo, Noemí and Anahi have been inspired to take more leadership action for bird conservation, including the implementation of new approaches through Aves Bolivianas.

Fundación Atelopus was established to conserve and protect Colombia’s Caribbean herpetofauna through scientific investigations and local partnerships. There is a very high rate of endemism in the area and many amphibians and reptiles are threatened with extinction. The organization aims to engage and educate local communities to reduce threats. Luis Alberto (aka “Beto”) established this NGO with some colleagues to continue and expand on their 2014 CLP-supported project monitoring harlequin frogs in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. In addition to monitoring Atelopus frogs, the group also plans to explore social dynamics with coffee farmers in the area. Beto has been applying lessons learned from CLP’s training course, specifically on project planning and communications, to his conservation activities. During this course, Beto met Lina Valencia, another CLP grantee, who now works for Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC). Through Lina’s engagement, GWC now collaborates and partners with Fundación Atelopus.

The Centre for Bat Research and Conservation (CBRC) was established in 2017 to research and conserve Romanian bats, habitats and roosts; to protect nature in general; and to strive towards a healthier environment. Romania is home to some of Europe’s largest bat colonies, with over 70 roosts of continental importance, many of which still lack adequate protection. The NGO is currently monitoring over 60% of the most important bat roosts of Romania and is forming partnerships with protected areas and other stakeholders. The CBRC is also responsible for the maintenance of all communication channels used by the local bat research community, including the Romanian bat portal at www.lilieci.ro (available in English, Romanian, and Hungarian) and the biennial National Bat Research Conference.

Szilárd-Lehel Bücs, President of CBRC, received CLP funding to implement a project focused on the Vulnerable Méhely’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus mehelyi). Szilárd’s perception about conservation and leadership received a significant boost while he was on CLP’s training course in Canada.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilieci.ro/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilieci_ro/

Visit their Facebook pages to follow and support the work of these new organizations!

Pictured below are Beto (left) and Gustavo back in 2014 at the CLP training!

Pictured below: Szilárd (left, front), Lina (left, middle), and Beto (left, back).

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