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Conserva Aves Celebrates Five Years of Promoting Conservation and Collaborative Efforts in Latin America

From June 8 to 11, representatives from seven countries gathered in Quito, Ecuador, to share lessons learned, strengthen partnerships, and discuss the future of Conserva Aves. The initiative is celebrating five years of promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Latin America.

Shirley Farinago

Conserva Aves partners participated in a bird-watching field trip in the Chakana Reserve conservation area in Ecuador.

Conserva Aves Celebrates Five Years of Promoting Conservation and Collaborative Efforts in Latin America

The Conserva Aves Initiative began its work in Colombia five years ago and later expanded to Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. It has established itself as an innovative model for protecting areas of high biodiversity value, promoting climate resilience, and fostering sustainable development and community well-being.

Throughout this time, the initiative has strengthened community, national, and regional capacities while learning valuable lessons at each stage of implementation.

Representatives from Conserva Aves Perú reconstruct the initiative’s timeline, highlighting the major milestones achieved over the years the projects have been underway. Photo credit: Shirley Farinago.

From June 8 to 11, Quito, Ecuador hosted the Regional Meeting of Conserva Aves’ national partners. Representatives from seven countries gathered to share experiences and lessons learned and to reflect on the initiative’s key progress, challenges, and opportunities.

Representatives from Conserva Aves Colombia reviewed the milestones achieved throughout the initiative’s implementation during the Conserva Aves National Partners Meeting, held June 8–12 in Ecuador. Photo credit: Shirley Farinago.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to recognize the achievements made in the various regions, strengthen strategic partnerships, and highlight the impact achieved through joint efforts by organizations, communities, and partners committed to biodiversity conservation in Latin America.

Through participatory activities, attendees share the key lessons learned during the meeting. Photo credit: Cecilia Vides.

As part of the event, participants visited the Chakana Reserve, supported by Conserva Aves and managed by the Jocotoco Foundation. During the tour, they observed iconic and endemic species of the Ecuadorian Andes, such as the Ecuadorian Hillstar (Oreotrochilus chimborazo “hummingbird”), and recorded the presence of the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), a species emblematic of the region’s mountain ecosystems.

A spectacled bear (*Tremarctos ornatus*) cub spotted in the Chakana Reserve, supported by Conserva Aves and the Jocotoco Foundation. Photo credit: Karime López.

The event provided an opportunity to analyze Conserva Aves’ progress, contributions, and lessons learned in different countries and through various implementation mechanisms. Discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities of effectively managing the supported areas, strengthening their financial sustainability, consolidating community ownership, and promoting sound territorial governance.

During a plenary session, participants reflect on the progress, challenges, and lessons learned from the “Conserva Aves” initiative on gender equality and social inclusion. Photo credit: Shirley Farinago.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared conviction. Conserva Aves’ greatest achievements have been made possible by the commitment and collaboration of a diverse network of organizations, communities, and individuals who work together to conserve habitats. Five years after its inception, the initiative continues to connect territories, build capacity, and positively impact birds, biodiversity, and communities in the region.