EnglishTropical forests store a fifth of the planet’s carbon emissions. Mesoamerica’s forests make up only a fraction of one percent of the earth’s surface; however, they are home to seven percent of the planet’s species. According to the Environmental Literacy Council, Mesoamerica has one of the highest deforestation rates of tropical rainforests worldwide and loses approximately one percent of its forests yearly, causing many of its native plants and animals to become endangered. Because land has been cleared for industrial agriculture and demand for timber has increased rapidly, only two percent of the Mesoamerica’s dry tropical forests remain. Of this, just five percent are protected in reserves. Because there are so few permanent core habitat areas that are designated to the sole use of conservation, building wildlife corridors in the region is a challenge.
To address this need, Paso Pacifico partners with landowners to create new protected areas. In the last year, we have helped set aside 500 acres as officially registered protected reserves. Our partnerships with private landowners have helped set aside more than 3000 additional acres. On some of these properties, we have planted trees to restore the forest habitat. Yet, we must go further to have an effective corridor for endangered species such as the black-handed spider monkey and the jaguar.
Many landowners help us protect dry tropical forest.
Thanks to the support from IUCN Netherlands, United Post Code Lottery, and private donors, in 2017 we purchased a 120-acre parcel of land. This property is in the core of the Paso del Istmo and has been named the Mono Bayo Reserve in honor of the black-handed spider monkey, whose local name is el mono bayo.
We are working to acquire additional priority lands. One example is the Sierra Serena, where one of only two known homes of the critically endangered species of frog is found. By securing the land we will be able to prevent its extinction.
If you would like to support the protection of essential wildlife habitats, donate today!
Saving the Sierra Serena property means preserving old growth, new forests and endangered species.