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2011 Global Grassroots Bat Conservation Fund
BCI is committed to supporting high-quality, grassroots bat conservation efforts outside North America. In general, we look for: habitat protection projects with significant ecological projects that teach local citizens the value of protecting bats. We are most interested in supporting local, in-country conservationists and researchers. We especially look for projects in which BCI's support will be matched by other sources.
For general grants correspondence, email us here.
Global Grassroots Conservation Fund grants worldwide
Current Projects receiving funding from BCI through the Global Grassroots Bat Conservation Fund include:
Ghana (Reuben Ottou, Ghana Wildlife Society)
Conservation education for fruit bat conservation in the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is the most popular tourist attraction in eastern Ghana, but it is under threat from increased farming and the hunting of fruit bats. This project will teach the benefits of fruit bats at area schools and communities through presentations, video shows and other tools. It will also train young "future conservationists" to monitor bat populations.
Kenya (Simon Musila, National Museums of Kenya)
Creating Awareness of conservation of bats among local communities: Increase awareness of bat ecology and conservation among existing community-based organizations working to conserve other wildlife and habitats. Develop effective teaching materials, conduct training workshops and undertake community outreach. Recruit local people to report on bat colonies around the country.
Marianas Islands (Julia Boland, Friends of Fanihi)
Fanihi Conservation Project: Illegal poaching is a major threat to the endangered (and declining) Mariana fruit bats (known locally as fanihi) on the island of Rota. This project will recruit and train local residents to perform door-to-door canvassing and education to increase support and awareness of fruit bat conservation.
Myanmar (Khun Bala)
Conservation of wild bat species with community participation in Myanmar: Habitat destruction is a taking a heavy toll on the approximately 80 species of bats in Myanmar, and their status is rarely assessed. This project will survey bat diversity, train and assist villagers in protecting bat populations and teach schoolchildren about the importance of bats and nature
Vietnam (Vu Dinh Thong, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology)
Comprehensive Studies in Taxonomy and Echolocation for Conservation of Bats within Hoang Lien National Park: The bat diversity of this ecologically varied national park has never been examined. This project will survey bat species and build a publicly available library of echolocation calls, while empowering local residents to appreciate and protect the bats in their midst. |
