Help Belize Students Attend Scientific Conference

“The IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) is a worldwide network of biologists, wildlife managers, government officials, independent researchers, non-government (NGO) representatives, farmers, traders, tanners, fashion leaders, and private companies actively involved in the conservation of the world's 28 living species of alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharial in the wild. As one of more than 100 species specialist groups operating under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s largest consortium of conservation organizations and agencies and the only recognized environmental organization by the United Nations, the CSG works closely with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other international intergovernmental bodies to promote crocodilian conservation and legal trade that does not threaten the survival of these important reptiles.”

Every 2 years the CSG holds an international meeting where ~350 scientists from around the world come together to share research, discuss conservation of crocodilians and their habitats, and mitigating human-crocodile conflict just to name a few, and for the upcoming international meeting in May 2020 in Chetumal, Mexico, the Placencia based wildlife non-profit the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) are planning to bring 2 of their youngest student volunteers to present in front these experts. Preston Moguel (11yrs old) and Erica Holding (13yrs old) have been part of the CRC’s Next Gen Croc program for over a year (https://crocodileresearchcoalition.org/next-gn-croc-fostering-the-next-generation-of-environmental-leaders/ ) and they will be presenting their work about the crocodile population in Placencia Lagoon, in addition to key crocodile and manatee habitat that is in need of protection to ensure the survival of these gentle giants and ancient predators. Both students have illustrated a passion for science and conservation, and we expect this opportunity will give them a strong foundation and network that will hopefully assist them as they grow to be Belize’s next environmental leaders.

The CRC is currently looking for more funding to assist Preston, Erica and 2 of their parents to the meeting in Chetumal.  A total of $4,000BZ ($2,000US) is needed to cover their cost and we have already received an anonymous donation of $1500BZ ($750US) towards our Next Gen Croc students. Any further funding extending our goal will go back into the Next Gen Croc program.