Community & Conservation
Action Program

CREW scientists have developed a conservation program in Trinidad involving species reintroduction, community monitoring, conservation education in village schools and field expeditions for US educators and visitors. The program evolved with the reintroduction of blue and gold macaws to the Nariva Swamp, a protected wetland from which the birds were extirpated in the 1960s. Support from the Trinidad government, local and international conservation organizations, academic institutions and corporate sponsors have enabled the program to develop several components. These include field research such as behavioral monitoring of blue and gold macaws, community based conservation action, integration of environmental education into local school curriculum and Earth Expeditions, a unique educational partnership between the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Miami University of Ohio. The Community Education and Conservation Action Program also aims to assist project leaders at CREW in developing community and education components to existing signature projects.

Photos: (clockwise, from top)
Blue and gold macaws await release, Breeding pair near release site, Earth Expeditions educators, Students at village school, Local community monitors