In early 2008, GCBO began a new conservation initiative for the protection of wintering habitat used by vast numbers of migratory landbirds.  The majority of North America's bird populations are migratory, thus, the protection of required wintering grounds in Latin America is essential to their survival.  With a substantial contribution from an anonymous donor, GCBO has set-up a new permanent fund for land acquisition in Central and South America. The fund has now grown to greater than $275,000, and is expected to reach $500,000 within three years. Proceeds from this new fund will provide grant dollars to proven and respected Latin American conservation organizations for the fee acquisition of habitat for migratory birds, as well as rare and threatened flora and fauna. This is an exciting new opportunity for the GCBO and for bird conservation. Please check out our acquisitions to date:

Tropical Forest Forever Fund Mission: to fund the acquisition of mostly forested landscapes in Central and South America while supporting habitat preservation of endangered and threatened species. In some special circumstances, Canadian and other northern forest initiatives may be funded in an effort to connect a contiguous link between breeding and wintering grounds for special, at risk avifauna. At least 80% of the Fund proceeds shall be used for key habitat purchases, with 20% reserved for management expenses or land trust development. The principal donor requests that none of the funds be spent on non-grantee travel, salaries, and research initiatives. Land preservation initiatives will occur in countries which have diplomatic relations with the United States of America.

This new fund will allow GCBO to better serve bird populations at an international scale. Implementation of the Funds activities will be conducted via a Board of Directors appointed committee that is chaired by GCBO's Executive Director. If you would like to make a financial contribution to the TFF Fund, please email Cecilia Riley at criley@gcbo.org.