RESTORING DEGRADED LAND FOR NMBS & OTHER

This project will restore winter habitat for Neotropical migratory birds (NMBs) and increase participation by local communities in the restoration efforts. The five-year goal is to reforest 594 hectares with native trees to increase habitat for NMBs and other species. To date, Saving Nature has purchased 249 hectares, upon which they have reforested 116 hectares with native trees.

The project objective for 2023 is to restore 100 hectares of degraded land by planting 120,000 to 160,000 native trees, thus increasing non-breeding habitat under restoration for NMBs to 216 hectares.

These project activities align with the habitat priorities of the Canada Warbler Full Life-Cycle Conservation Action Plan; Cerulean Warbler Conservation Action; Olive-sided Flycatcher Recovery Plan; and Colombia Migratory Bird Conservation Plan, all of which include restoration and protection of winter habitat as a high priority for species recovery and long-term survival.

For the community to directly benefit from reforestation activities, they are transitioning the sourcing of native seedlings from private companies to local nurseries.

To do so, Saving Nature is assisting local farmers with development of eleven family-owned nurseries, including assistance with training, technical support and financing for infrastructure, labor, and materials. Saving Nature is also expanding Fundacin Bioconservancy's nursery production.

In 2023, they will source 110,000 native trees from community nurseries, 10,000 from Fundacin Bioconservancy's nursery, and the balance from private companies .