A winged future of hope for the nature of Ecuador, through Conserva Aves!

A winged future of hope for the nature of Ecuador, through Conserva Aves!

Cusco, October 24, 2023 – In an exciting milestone for the conservation of Ecuador’s avifauna, the Ecuador’s Sustainable Environmental Investment Fund (FIAS) joined with the inspiring Conserva Aves Initiative.

Conserva Aves is a beacon of innovation that lights the way for the protection of threatened birds and the ecosystems that give them life throughout Ecuador. This unprecedented alliance, which combines the expertise of leading bird conservation organizations like American Bird Conservancy, National Audubon Society and BirdLife International, with FIAS’s tireless commitment to environmental sustainability, promises a more vibrant future for endangered species such as the majestic Andean condor and harpy eagle.

This union was manifested at the XXV Annual Congress of the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC), where this historic agreement was signed. Ana Alban, Executive Director of FIAS, described it as “an unprecedented step towards the creation of new territories of life, a pressing need for our region”.

The signing of this historic agreement was attended by Jorge Oviedo, Executive Director of the Environmental Investment Fund of El Salvador (FIAES) and President of RedLAC, who stated: “This is a significant step towards protecting our avifauna and building a sustainable future for generations to come”. In addition, in an atmosphere full of expectations, the ceremony was joined by Sebastian Herzog, Coordinator of the Initiative for Audubon Americas, and Cecilia Vides, Conserva Aves Coordinator for RedLAC, who shared their joint vision of a world where birds and nature shine in all their splendor.

Ecuador emphasizes its commitment to biodiversity by joining this Initiative and demonstrating to the world what is possible through international collaboration in wildlife protection. Ecuador’s effort will transcend borders by joining the work of its neighbors in the Tropical Andes: Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. In the near future, Mexico and Panama will join the Initiative.

Sebastian Herzog, Initiative Coordinator for Audubon Americas said, “We firmly believe that birds are nature’s guardians and their well-being is intrinsically linked to our own. Through Conserva Aves, we will work tirelessly to ensure that birds have a bright future and that we can all enjoy the beauty of the natural world around us”.

Conserva Aves’ goals for 2028 are impressive: to conserve, protect and manage at least 2 million hectares of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and other areas of high biological value. In addition, it seeks to transform the relationship between nature and people, creating sustainable economic opportunities and protecting the rights of those who live in close communion with these areas.

Conserva Aves, with its bold vision, will build a conservation legacy that will close the gaps in the protection of threatened endemic and migratory birds. Its commitment to collaboration among civil, community, public, and private stakeholders will be a unifying force for the sustainable management of new subnational protected areas.

Cecilia Vides, Coordinator of Conserva Aves, shared her enthusiasm: “This agreement is a testament to what we can achieve when we join forces. We are committed to protecting our birds and their homes, and this collaboration is a great step in that direction.”

The Initiative aims to empower more than 100 local and national partners to create and manage new subnational protected areas in an exemplary manner. Through its call for proposals, the most promising proposals that meet rigorous technical criteria of feasibility, relevance, impact, and sustainability will be funded.

#ConservaAves is a dream come true led by @americanbirdconservancy, @audubonamericas, @birdlife.americas and @RedLAC, with the invaluable support of @bezosearthfund. Together, we create and expand subnational protected areas, weaving a winged future of hope for our birds. Join our mission and be part of this epic journey to a brighter world for nature!