The causes of declining populations of long-distance migratory birds are numerous, but the single most significant cause has been the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitats the birds…

This Project Grant award of $185,629 from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation (CFDA 15.635) program supports habitat restoration and community engagement in Colombia's Western Andes. The funding will enable the recipient, Saving Nature, Inc., to reforest 594 hectares with over 650,000 native trees by 2024, expanding non-breeding habitat for 18 species of neotropical migratory birds, including 5 priority species. To involve local communities, the project is assisting 11 family-owned nurseries to supply native seedlings. By 2024, the project will source 110,000 trees from community nurseries and an additional 10,000 from the recipient's own nursery, with the remaining balance from private suppliers. This habitat restoration and community-based approach aligns with the priorities of several migratory bird conservation plans for the Canada Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and others.

The causes of declining populations of long-distance migratory birds are numerous, but the single most significant cause has been the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitats the birds occupy during their life cycle (rich ET AL., 2004). The tropical andes are among the most vulnerable habitats due to the dual impacts of climate change and human population pressures. Throughout the tropical andes, climate change is already compounding the effects of habitat fragmentation and deforestation on neotropical migratory birds (nmbs). Our project restores habitat for nmbs in colombias western andes and increases participation by the local communities in the restoration efforts. Restoring and protecting winter habitat for nmbs over the long-term ensures their survival by reducing mortality during the non-breeding season and improving body condition for spring migration and breeding. Reforestation of winter habitat for nmbs aligns with the 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. The project is based in the mesenia-paramillo nature reserve in the western andes of colombia situated in the choc and is part of the regional IBA CO024 montane forests of south antioquia, which meets criteria A1 and A2. The reserve overlaps with the non-breeding range of 18 species of nmbs, of which five are priority species the canada warbler (cardellina canadensis), cerulean warbler(setophaga cerulea), mourning warbler(geothlypis philadelphia), olive-sided flycatcher (contopus cooperi), and swallow-tailed kite (elanoides forficatus). Since beginning the project in 2008, we have invested $3.4 million to secure 3,845 hectares, of which 308 hectares are available for restoration with native trees and the balance is intact forest. IT is a high-elevation forest (1,700M 3,167M) vital for the protection of species such as canada warblers that winter in areas between 500-2,500M. Our five-year plan is to reforest 594 hectares with over 650,000 native trees to increase habitat for nmbs and other species. Since we began active restoration of habitat in 2019, we have restored 183 hectares. In 2024 we will restore an additional 100 hectares by planting approximately 120,000 native trees, thus increasing the non-breeding habitat under restoration for nmbs to 283 hectares. In order for the community to directly benefit from reforestation activities, we are transitioning our source of native seedlings from private companies to local nurseries. To do so, we are assisting local farmers with the development of eleven family-owned nurseries, including assistance with training, technical support and financing for infrastructure, labor, and materials. We are also expanding fundacin bioconservancys nursery production. In 2024, we will source 110,000 native trees from community nurseries, 10,000 from fundacin bioconservancys nursery, and the balance from private companies. Reforestation is capital intensive at the onset but is self-sustaining over time as the trees mature. With the help of nmbca funding, we will be able to fund the high start-up costs and then sustain operations through grants, individual donations, and carbon financing agreements. We are requesting a grant of $45,000 for planting activities in 2024.