Seeds of Hope for Kinti Toisán Reserve
Around $120.000 grant raised by Global Bird Fair will support the protection and restoration of the Ecuadorean Chocó Andes.
In the framework of the XII edition of the South American Bird Fair (Mindo, Ecuador), the legendary Tim and Penny Appleton, founders of the Global Bird Fair, shared an insightful presentation about their work and trajectory. Tim and Penny have been working for the incredible and noble cause of protecting birds. Their work has taken them all over the world, and everywhere they have gone, they have spread the word and created awareness about the importance of preserving birds.
Their contribution has also been investing the money raised at the Global Bird Fair in conservation projects, helping local organizations in their quest to protect nature. In 1997, Tim and Penny visited Mindo for the first time. They played a crucial role in declaring this territory as an Important Bird Area (IBA), the first in the South American region. During his presentation, Tim recalled that “back in 1997, a fascinating thing happened. BirdLife International invited me to Mindo, an incredible place that was declared the first IBA in South America“.
Now, 26 years later, Tim and Penny visited Mindo for a second time to announce a $120.000 grant from the money raised at this year’s Global Bird Fair in Rutland – UK, to the Ecuadorean Choco Andes Conservation Project, led by BirdLife’s partner organization Aves y Conservación (AyC). This fund will support the organization’s different activities, like scientific research, education grants, environmental education interventions, infrastructure, trap cameras, monitoring, management, protection protocols, and ecological restoration actions. These actions will be implemented mainly at the Aves y Consevación newest protected area, Kinti Toisán Reserve.
In a symbolic act, Juan Carlos Valarezo, Executive Director of Aves y Conservación, received this financial support and mentioned its significant impact on the organization’s conservation actions. Valarezo highlighted: “Our ambition is to reconnect Mindo with Kinti Toisán Reserve. We are facing several threats, mainly illegal mining. That is why we rely on the power of many to make a change and take care of the land. I thank Tim, Penny, and BirdLife for supporting us. Nature conservation is a powerful tool to change lives“.
On the other hand, Tim Appleton praised the creation of the new protected area and what it means for birds: “We are excited to provide seeds of hope for the threatened bird species and the local communities that depend on the Ecuadorian Chocó Andes. The Black-breasted Puffleg and other 250 bird species will benefit“. The XII South American BirdFair, the most significant event for birth watchers on the south cone of the continent, took place from the 26th until the 28th of October in one of Ecuador’s most diverse sites: the city of Mindo. Located 2 hours away from Quito, Mindo hosted hundreds of bird watchers, conservationists, and bird enthusiasts worldwide who gathered with one objective: enjoying Mindo’s rich biodiversity, especially its incredible feathered inhabitants.
“We are excited to provide seeds of hope for the threatened bird species and the local communities that depend on the Ecuadorian Chocó Andes. The Black-breasted Puffleg and other 250 bird species will benefit”.
Tim Appleton, Global Bird Fair
“Our ambition is to reconnect Mindo with Kinti Toisán Reserve. We are facing several threats, mainly illegal mining. That is why we rely on the power of many to make a change and take care of the land. I thank Tim, Penny, and BirdLife for supporting us. Nature conservation is a powerful tool to change lives“.
Juan Carlos Valarezo, Aves y Conservación