The island of Ometepe, in Lake Nicaragua, is comprised of two volcanoes (Maderas and Concepcion – the latter is still active) and has very high levels of biodiversity. © FFI.
The leatherback turtle is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN and experts predict it could soon become extinct without decisive conservation action. © FFI.
In 2009/10, The Rufford Foundation provided a grant of £50,000 to Fauna & Flora International (FFI).
FFI's vision is to create a sustainable future for the planet, where biodiversity is effectively conserved by the people who live closest to it, supported by the global community. FFI is the world’s longest-established international conservation charity (founded in 1903) and works to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide. It chooses solutions that are sustainable, are based on sound science and which are compatible with human needs. It works with local partners in over 40 countries on 125 projects.
FFI takes a holistic approach to nature conservation and its underlying ethos is to work in genuine partnership with local organisations, building their capacity to help themselves and ensuring biodiversity conservation becomes an integral part of livelihoods and natural resource management. It ensures local solutions, led and owned by local people.
Support from the The Rufford Foundation in 2009/10 was used to fund the following projects:
Nicaragua - Providing vital support FFI's conservation programme in Nicaragua:
• To conserve the diverse island habitats and species of Ometepe Island.
• To protect leatherback turtles from poaching and the threat of extinction.
Oryx – The International Journal of Conservation - To employ a full-time Editorial Assistant for this important journal which disseminates current research, promotes best conservation practice around the world, and builds the capacity for research reporting in developing countries
