The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding more than $337,681 in
international conservation grants under the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund
to aid recovery of endangered sea turtles in six countries and provide
training for natural resource managers in Latin America and the Caribbean.
"The U.S. is committed to doing its part to ensure that sea turtles are
part of the Earth's diverse biological landscape for generations to come,"
said Service Director H. Dale Hall. "In addition, the Wildlife Without
Borders Program in Latin America and the Caribbean provides critical
capacity building for natural resource managers working in one of the most
biologically rich regions of the world," Hall said.
The grants are awarded through the Service's Wildlife Without
Borders-Species and Regional Programs, using funds designated by the U.S.
Congress for international conservation. The programs were created to
provide assistance for the conservation of species and habitats imperiled by
a variety of threats including poaching, illegal species trafficking,
habitat loss, and disease.
The grants leveraged more than half a million dollars in matching funds that
will go directly to helping wildlife. For every $1 in grants funding
awarded by Service, an additional $1.62 was provided by an array of partners
- including U.S., international, and in-country not-for-profit organizations
partners, for a total of $549,002 in matching funds.
"These grants provide critical support for efforts targeting highly
imperiled species and habitats,"said Director H. Dale Hall. "They focus on
how to best conserve and manage biodiversity in collaboration with local
communities, partner organizations, universities, and government agencies."
Eleven projects will be funded in seven countries: Mexico, Sierra Leone,
India, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Costa Rica and Paraguay. Examples of
projects funded include: protecting leatherback sea turtles at one of the
few remaining nesting beaches in the East Pacific in Costa Rica; providing a
62-day course in natural resources conservation for 16 professionals
currently working in protected areas in Latin America, and developing a
conservation network for sea turtles in India and Gabon.
For more information about the Service's international grants programs,
visit http://www.fws.gov/international/dicprograms/wwbp.htm.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for
the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and
trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific
excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated
professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our
work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
-FWS-
For more information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,visit our
home page at http://www.fws.gov
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