In a move critical to the survival of several threatened migrating shorebird species, the 91做厙 and CECPAN (Centro de Estudio y Conservaci籀n del Patrimonio Natural) today announced the acquisition of a two-and-a-half-acre parcel of land on the island of Chilo矇, in Southern Chile. The land will be protected from development.
The parcel, a roosting site where thousands of birds gather during high tide, is crucial for the long-term survival of wintering Hudsonian Godwits and other priority migrating species. It hosts 99 percent of the migrating Alaskan Hudsonian Godwit population and 29 percent or more than one out of four of the Godwits world population during the winter months. A full 61 percent of the Pacific Coast population of Whimbrels winter in and around the Chilo矇 archipelago.
Birds know no borders its our responsibility and privilege to protect them wherever their incredible journeys take them, from the Arctic to South America, said 91做厙 President and CEO David Yarnold. Chilo矇 Island is a very special place, and were glad to partner with a terrific organization like CECPAN to protect these birds and their habitats.
CECPAN will act as principal title holder, protector, and manager of the parcel. 91做厙 and CECPAN will work together to monitor the site. The funding to purchase the land was made available by a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
We are delighted to partner with the 91做厙 to focus our combined resources on land use challenges, policies and key threats to coastal marine habitat on Chilo矇 Island, Chile, said Jorge Valenzuela, CECPAN executive director. In order to maintain a sustainable future for the great natural biodiversity so critical to threatened species, we must continue to protect and conserve this rich habitat.
Located off Chiles central Pacific Coast, Chilo矇 Island showcases an astonishing congregation of birdlife and supports critical pockets of marine and coastal biodiversity. The islands fresh water and abundant forests are home to many endemic and migratory birds, most notably the Hudsonian Godwit and the Whimbrel, two priority species. (Priority species are particularly threatened in terms of their long-term survival and are selected through careful scientific research and analysis.)
Until recently Chilo矇 remained a relatively undisturbed biological corridor. However, during the past few decades, Chilo矇 has experienced serious disturbances to the natural balance, beginning with the advent of commercial aquaculture. Mussels and salmon farms, as well as algae and seaweed harvesting, encroach on and disrupt the habitat of roosting and foraging shorebirds.
Commercial developments, including the urbanization of rural sites close to the wetlands, have also resulted in unregulated vehicular activity over the coastal mudflats, sprawling development across key watersheds, and pollution to many of the coastal waterways and tidelands of the archipelago. This commercial activity brings great uncertainty for the state of Chilo矇 Islands natural biodiversity.
Without protection of this rich ecosystem, habitats for both birds and people will continue to suffer, said Mr. Valenzuela.
In addition to acquiring the 2翻 acres, the strategic plan developed jointly by 91做厙 and CECPAN involves engaging landowners in Best Management Practices, including watershed management and sustainable agricultural techniques. To date, 22 landowners have enrolled to implement Best Management Practices on a total of 822 acres.
The two organizations are also developing educational programs, strengthening CECPAN, and integrating better conservation practices into local policies. These initiatives spread awareness about the importance of coastal wetland habitats to migratory shorebirds and ensure that Hudsonian Godwits and Whimbrels have a safe and sustainable wintering place for years to come.
ABOUT CECPAN
CECPAN is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to conserving the natural resources and the iconic untamed nature of the Chilo矇 Island archipelago.
