Small Grants for Grasslands Conservation 2025: Fourteen projects to restore and protect South America’s grasslands

The Small Grants for Grassland Conservation program from the Alianza del Pastizal supports local efforts to protect birds and their habitats in South America’s grasslands — ecosystems that are essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of rural communities. Now in its third edition, the initiative fosters innovative, science-based and community-driven projects across the region.

The 14 selected projects for the 2024–2025 cycle showcase a wide range of conservation strategies, from participatory environmental education and sustainable livestock management to restoration with native seeds and community engagement in remote wetlands. Each of them represents a powerful example of how local action can help secure a future for species and ecosystems under threat.

These are the projects that will benefit from Small Grants for grassland conservation in the Southern Cone of the Americas.

📍 Colombia

1) Biodiversity Narratives for Buff-breasted Sandpiper Conservation – Led by Natalia Roa | ABC Colombia

In the flooded savannas of Casanare, youth and women from local communities will lead storytelling workshops to raise awareness of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper and the importance of wetland conservation. The project uses narrative, science communication, and gender leadership to inspire local pride and action for a landscape under growing agricultural pressure.

📍 Argentina

2) The Pampas Grass Wren and the Disappearance of the Lower Pampas – Led by Stephanie Estergaard Zaldúa | Aves Argentinas

This study focuses on the Hudson’s Canastero and the ecological degradation of Argentina’s Lower Pampas. It will assess the impact of land-use change on bird populations and update the conservation status of key grassland areas.

3) Conservation Strategies for the Saffron-cowled Blackbird – Led by María Florencia Pucheta | Aves Argentinas

This project combines field research and local engagement to protect the breeding grounds of the Saffron-cowled Blackbird in Entre Ríos and Corrientes. Anti-predator devices, community talks, and collaboration with livestock producers will strengthen population recovery.

4) Strengthening Community Alliances for Shorebird Protection – Led by María Laura Josens | Aves Argentinas

Near the Río Dulce, Aves Argentinas is working with rural families to improve grazing practices and raise awareness of migratory shorebirds. The project includes field surveys, workshops, and a practical guide on sustainable livestock management for conservation.

5) Searching for Threatened Birds in the Humid Chaco
Led by Tomás Camarasa | Aves Argentinas

Focusing on the White-winged Nightjar, this project will assess the status of threatened grassland birds in Chaco Province, update key biodiversity areas, and strengthen community outreach.

6) Sustainable Grazing for the Austral Rail
Led by Ignacio Roesler | Aves Argentinas

In the wetlands of La Angostura and Alto Río Chico, this project will use grazing management and bioacoustic monitoring to improve and protect habitat for the endangered Austral Rail.

7) Securing the Future of the Pampas Meadowlark
Led by Candelaria Neyra – Aves Argentinas

Through nest protection, telemetry tracking, and partnerships with producers, this initiative will support the recovery of the critically endangered Pampas Meadowlark, a grassland flagship species.

8) Integrating Grazing and Conservation in Samborombón Bay – Led by Juan Pablo Isaach | IIMyC-CONICET (Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata)

This research explores how different grassland management strategies affect bird diversity, native plant cover, and soil carbon storage. The project will guide best practices for both biodiversity and climate.

9) Protecting the Ruddy-headed Goose and its Breeding Grounds – Led by Natalia Andrea Cossa | CONICET-INIBIOMA

Endemic to Argentina and Chile, the Ruddy-headed Goose depends on the Patagonian mallines — wet meadows vital for both biodiversity and livestock. This project will carry out binational surveys, test artificial nests and islets to improve breeding success, and assess habitat degradation across 14 IBAs/KBAs where the species breeds.

📍 URUGUAY

10) Citizen Science for Grassland Conservation
Led by Daniela Schossler | Aves Uruguay

Empowering schoolchildren and rural communities to become biodiversity guardians, this project uses bird monitoring and education to promote conservation across Uruguay’s grasslands.

11) Managing the Pampas Deer in Northern Uruguay
Led by Enrique M. González González | Museo Nacional de Historia Natural / DNC / MEC

With a rising Pampas Deer population creating conflict with land use, this project will assess its current status and work with landowners to develop a conservation strategy that balances wildlife and livelihoods.

12) Sustainable Livestock Management in the Basalto Grasslands – Led by Silvina García | Universidad Nacional de la Empresa / SOSEL

Through soil health indicators, plant surveys and bird monitoring, this project will assess the impact of different grazing regimes on biodiversity and help validate the Grassland Conservation Index (ICP).

📍 PARAGUAY

13) Flights Over the Grassland in Ñeembucú
Led by Fátima Natalia Ortiz | Universidad de Salamanca / Ciencias del Sur

This project combines research, behavioral ecology and community education to protect critical habitat for endemic and migratory birds in the Ñeembucú region, where fires and land-use change pose increasing threats.

📍 BRAZIL

14) Regenerating the Pampas with Native Seeds
Led by Grassland Alliance Brasil | SAVE Brasil

Building on previous work, this project will refine native seed harvesting and planting techniques to restore degraded grasslands in southern Brazil. Collaboration with producers and international partners will support knowledge exchange and policy advocacy.

📌 For more information on the work of the Alianza del Pastizal, click here.