I.S.I.S. Make New Strides in Conservation Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 22, 2011 -- On November 8, 2011, the Friends of Conservation and Development (FCD) and the Institute for Sustainable International Studies (ISIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The goal of the MOU is for each organization to collaborate with the other to promote the Chiquibul ecosystem through education, courses, internships, research and eco-tourism.

Friends of Conservation and Development (FCD) are a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in the Cayo District of Belize, with an office in Succotz. FCD is responsible for day-to-day management of the Chiquibul National Park and the Chiquibul Cave System, which together form the Chiquibul Forest. The Chiquibul Forest covers 414 sq. miles and is an area of amazing biodiversity. It includes what is probably the largest remaining community and nesting area of scarlet macaw birds. It also shelters a very large cave system, which is not yet fully mapped. Areas of the forest were used intensively by the Maya for ceremonial and other purposes. The Chiquibul Forest is currently challenged by illegal harvesting of timber, and its natural resources, including animals and birds. Through the conservation work of FCD, this large forest is being actively protected. FCD also has a business arm specializing in conducting adventure tourism – Eco-Quest Expeditions. For more information, see www.fcdbelize.org and www.ecoquestexpeditions.org .

FCD and ISIS will work together to connect international study groups with safe access to the diversity and richness of the Chiquibul Forest. The resources will support practical experiences through courses, adventure tours, volunteer opportunities and internships. In January 2012, the first intern (from SUNY-Cortland) will be placed with FCD to work on a project addressing solid waste management. A variety of opportunities exist for interns in areas of marketing, website development, recreation and outdoor studies, biology, ecology and ornithology, anthropology and business development, among others. A new framework for biodiversity research, inventory and monitoring (BRIM) was recently developed by FCD. This system will allow the data collected by students and staff at FCD to be systematically recorded and analyzed to better understand what is happening in the Chiquibul Forest and thus to guide future conservation efforts. # # #
For more information, contact Cynthia Reece creece@isisbelize.com and visit www.isisbelize.com.

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