The Awá Indigenous community of El Baboso, in northern Ecuador, is advancing the conservation of its territory with the support of Conserva Aves. Through their Life Plans, they are strengthening local capacities and protecting key ecosystems that host 18 globally threatened bird species, connecting Ecuador and Colombia.
Juan Ricaurte- BirdLife International
The Awá Indigenous community of El Baboso, located in northwestern Ecuador, is advancing the protection of its territory through their Life Plans, with the support of the Conserva Aves initiative. This community effort takes place in a region of high biodiversity that connects key ecosystems between Ecuador and Colombia, and is home to at least 18 globally threatened birds species.
With the support of Aves y Conservación, the Altrópico Consortium, and the Federation of Awá Centers of Ecuador, actions have been implemented such as training youth in bird monitoring, including the use of camera traps, developing birdwatching tourism, and strengthening skills in nature photography and environmental communication. These initiatives aim to consolidate sustainable strategies that integrate conservation, culture, and the local economy.
This work is part of the Territories of Life series, which highlights and supports conservation processes led by Indigenous communities in Latin America, recognizing their fundamental role in protecting regional biodiversity.
About Conserva Aves
Conserva Aves means protecting territories of life! This international initiative is driven by American Bird Conservancy, National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, Birds Canada, and the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC).
Conserva Aves supports Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant communities, NGOs, and grassroots organizations in the creation, expansion, management, and long-term sustainability of subnational protected areas in key sites for birds, such as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), throughout Latin America.
