By CLP alumna, Camila Kass, leader of a project supported by a 2023 Future Conservationist Award
I currently lead the CLEFAM project (Conservation of the Endemic Lizard of Famatina) and, as part of this project, my team and I are developing an initiative that brings together scientific research, environmental education, and community engagement in La Rioja Province, Argentina.
Our work focuses on the thorntail mountain lizard, Phymaturus mallimaccii, an endemic lizard (categorised as Vulnerable by the IUCN) restricted to the Famatina mountain range and particularly vulnerable to threats such as mining activities and climate change due to its ecological specialization.
The thorntail mountain lizard © Federico Izasa
Using this species as a focal point, the project also seeks to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of local biodiversity. In this context, we adopted an integrative approach that not only aims to generate scientific knowledge but also to strengthen the relationship between local communities and their natural environment.
Over the past months, we have carried out a series of environmental education activities in collaboration with a rural school in Alto Carrizal (Escuela N°47), working with children from 2nd to 7th grade. Through participatory workshops, educational materials, and interactive experiences, we aim to make science more accessible while fostering curiosity and a sense of stewardship for local biodiversity.
Camila Kass in the field © Rodrigo Calvo
A central component of our work has been the incorporation of nature journaling as a tool for learning and connection. By observing, drawing, and recording their surroundings, participants engage more deeply with nature, developing attention, empathy, and a personal connection with the species and landscapes around them. This practice not only enhances learning but also encourages reflection and a lasting appreciation for biodiversity, turning observation into a meaningful conservation action.
Support from the Wild Wonder Foundation has been fundamental in making these activities possible. The grant allowed us to provide materials for the students and to organize workshops that introduced them to nature journaling, helping them explore, understand, and enjoy their local biodiversity in new and meaningful ways. Through these experiences, we aim to foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage long-term engagement with conservation.
We believe that effective conservation depends not only on data and research, but also on building collective awareness and engagement. Through CLEFAM, we seek to create spaces where science, education, and community come together to protect a unique species and the ecosystems it inhabits.