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Over $330,000 in Conservation Grants to Aid Imperiled International Wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding more than $337,681 in international conservation grants under the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund to aid recovery of endangered sea turtles in six countries and provide training for natural resource managers in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"The U.S. is committed to doing its part to ensure that sea turtles are part of the Earth's diverse biological landscape for generations to come," said Service Director H. Dale Hall.  "In addition, the Wildlife Without Borders Program in Latin America and the Caribbean provides critical capacity building for natural resource managers working in one of the most biologically rich regions of the world," Hall said.

The grants are awarded through the Service's Wildlife Without Borders-Species and Regional Programs, using funds designated by the U.S. Congress for international conservation.  The programs were created to provide assistance for the conservation of species and habitats imperiled by a variety of threats including poaching, illegal species trafficking, habitat loss, and disease.

The grants leveraged more than half a million dollars in matching funds that will go directly to helping wildlife.  For every $1 in grants funding awarded by Service, an additional $1.62 was provided by an array of partners -- including U.S., international, and in-country not-for-profit organizations partners, for a total of $549,002 in matching funds.

"These grants provide critical support for efforts targeting highly imperiled species and habitats," said Director H. Dale Hall.  "They focus on how to best conserve and manage biodiversity in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, universities, and government agencies."

Eleven projects will be funded in seven countries: Mexico, Sierra Leone, India, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Costa Rica and Paraguay.  Examples of projects funded include: protecting leatherback sea turtles at one of the few remaining nesting beaches in the East Pacific in Costa Rica; providing a 62-day course in natural resources conservation for 16 professionals currently working in protected areas in Latin America, and developing a conservation network for sea turtles in India and Gabon.

For more information about the Service?s international grants programs, visit http://www.fws.gov/international/dicprograms/wwbp.htm.

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.