With a Binocular mini-grant from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Optics for the Tropics, the organization Alianza Mexicana para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre A.C. (the Mexican Alliance for the Conservation of Wildlife A.C.), carried out marvelous activities in 5 communities in Northern and Central Mexico!
Hermosillo, Sonora (Northern Mexico)
In Hermosillo, Sonora, volunteers of the Programa de Aves Urbanas (Urban Bird programs) and the Centro de Educación para la Conservación de las Aves (Bird Conservation Education Center) run by the Alianza Mexicana para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre A.C. (the Mexican Alliance for the Conservation of Wildlife A.C.), together with the Centro Ecológico del Estado de Sonora (Ecological Center of the State of Sonora) teamed up to observe birds. They loved seeing the birds of their region close up and in detail!
Rioverde, San Luis Potosí (Central Mexico Region)
The coordinator of the Programa de Aves Urbanas de Rioverde (Urban Bird Program of Rioverde), who also interacts with native indigenous communities, conducted training and workshops for rural producers. Participants learned about the biology of the local birdlife. They also discussed how birdwatching can generate economic benefits to their communities.
Jalpan de Serra, Querétaro (Central Mexico Region)
The binoculars were also shared with the young community leader who works with the Alianza Mexicana para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre A.C. (the Mexican Alliance for the Conservation of Wildlife A.C.) on the development of a Unidad de Manejo para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre (Wildlife Conservation Management Unit). The leader works with a group of more than 45 local children. Using the binoculars as well as the educational materials the participants were excited to begin observing nearby birds! The participants live within the biosphere reserve, called Sierra Gorda, one of the most mega-diverse places in Mexico.
Toluca, State of Mexico (Central Mexico Region)
The binoculars were also shared with the youth organization SUSTENTARED. This organization promotes environmental causes and sustainable development. Together with Birds of the Alianza Mexicana para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre A.C. (the Mexican Alliance for the Conservation of Wildlife A.C.) they hold bird conservation workshops as well as environmental learning workshops. The participants were students from the State University. They loved learning about birds in their communities and they have planned festivals for the future to share information with more people in their community.
Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico (Central Mexico Region)
During the program “Know and Preserve the Vallesan Birds” children, youth and adults from this area came together to use the binoculars. The impact of these programs and the participation of the youth has been very great! Many people enjoyed watching the birds and talking about ways to conserve them.
