Executive Director’s Letter on the Twenty-Seventh Anniversary of Asociación Civil Armonía
Congratulations to Armonía on its 27th anniversary as a Bolivian civil society organization. Throughout the years, Armonía has achieved significant and unique advancements in the protection of Bolivia’s biodiversity; particularly its most threatened birds. Armonía stands out as one of the few Bolivian organizations that have effectively integrated nature conservation with the sustainable development of indigenous and intercultural communities, directly impacting crucial habitats for Bolivia’s most endangered bird species. Collaborations with key actors like FEGABENI, who play a fundamental role regionally in the “Llanos de Moxos,” demonstrate Armonía’s commitment to mitigating the impact of livestock on this endangered ecosystem and its biodiversity.
Undoubtedly, Armonía’s achievements are the result of dedication and passion from both current and past members. Today, Armonía is the institution it is, thanks to the devotion of its team of approximately 100 individuals. Likewise, Armonía owes its success to partners and donors who support and trust in its work.
Having had the privilege to collaborate with every member of the Armonía team (past and present) is a great honor for me. Together, we have accomplished:
- A steady increase in the population of the Blue-throated Macaw due to direct and indirect actions, such as the protection of vital feeding and breeding sites (around 13,000 hectares protected), the successful fledging of 128 chicks in our artificial nests (out of a global population of approximately 450), the promotion of environmentally and socially sustainable livestock practices to preserve the Moxos plains (Llano de Moxos), and the implementation of extensive, intensive, and diverse communication and education initiatives.
- Support in establishing the first birdwatching initiative integrated with communities in Bolivia (Red-fronted Macaw Community Natural Reserve), generating funds to support projects proposed by the communities themselves.
- Boosting birdwatching in Bolivia through activities and publications, as seen in the Madidi-Pilón Lajas-Cotapata corridor.
- Growth of the birdwatching community in Bolivia, driven by Armonía’s activities and publications, particularly the Birds of Bolivia Guide published in Spanish and English in 2016.
- Support for the management of Toro Toro and El Palmar protected areas, improving the protection of the Red-fronted Macaw and its critical habitat.
- Assistance in the sustainable development of at least 6 key communities for the breeding and feeding of the Red-fronted Macaw.
- Planting of nearly half a million native trees to protect vulnerable watersheds in Tunari National Park (home to the Cochabamba Mountain-Finch) and supporting the sustainability of local communities within the protected area.
- Comprehensive participation in the training of community firefighting brigades in Tunari National Park.
- Backing for over 15 institutions (research units from various Bolivian universities and NGOs) to update Bolivia’s biodiversity knowledge and identify key conservation sites and ecosystem services essential for human existence.
Armonía’s existence is dedicated to serving Bolivia, assisting decision-makers and stakeholders in the protection of the country’s biodiversity, especially its endangered bird diversity, and the crucial ecosystem services on which Bolivia’s future relies.
On this institutional anniversary, I extend my congratulations to the entire Armonía team for their outstanding work. My gratitude goes to the institutions and individuals who believe in our mission. Lastly, I thank the people of Bolivia for allowing us to work for a better future and for the unwavering support of civil society every day.
Rodrigo W. Soria Auza
Executive Director.