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Over the years, I've had the pleasure of working with some great people and organizations who have not only been exceptionally generous with their time and expertise, but who also are doing excellent conservation-related work in the landscapes where I travel. Mark Pretti Nature Tours makes donations to and/or works directly with all of these groups annually.
THE CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY - There are countless conservation organizations on Earth doing important and valuable work, and I wish I could list them all here, but one of my local favorites is the Center for Biological Diversity. This Tucson-based group has made outstanding achievements in preserving Earth's diversity of life on a very modest budget. They're a big bang for your conservation buck. To learn more about supporting the Center, check out www.biologicaldiversity.org. THE NATURE CONSERVANCY - I
spent seven great years working with the deeply committed conservationists of
The Nature Conservancy. You can learn more about their emphasis on lasting
results at large scales at www.nature.org. CRISTALINO JUNGLE LODGE AND CRISTALINO ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATION - Located in northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, Cristalino Jungle Lodge is simply one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich locations on the planet. Karen and I have had the good fortune to have lived and worked in Cristalino's pristine forests for seven months in the past few years, and during that time, we've been highly impressed by the effective work that the Cristalino Ecological Foundation has done to protect the area - www.cristalinolodge.com.br or www.fundacaocristalino.org.br. EL TRIUNFO BIOSPHERE RESERVE - I 've never experienced a landscape in Mexico as wild and pristine as that of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve in southern Chiapas. Perhaps the most bird and wildlife rich area in the country, this magical reserve is carefully supported and managed by a hardworking group of local conservationists whose work is a gift to the world - www.foncet.org PROAVES - This is perhaps the premiere conservation organization in Colombia. Started in 1998 by a group of dedicated Colombian conservationists interested in saving the endemic yellow-eared parrot, it has expanded impressively since. Proaves is a private non-profit whose mission is to protect birds and their habitats through research, conservation action, community outreach, and ecotourism. Their 18 reserves protect about 50,000 acres and are home to over 1100 bird species. Of course, these reserves also protect countless plants, mammals, and invertebrates. www.proaves.org or www.rainforesttrust.org. SEASONS OF MY HEART - In the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, Susana Trilling has created a culinary school that artfully shares the diverse cultures, flavors, and farming practices of Mesoamerica. The day we spend with Susana and her staff - touring the amazing Mercado Abastos, receiving a lecture on local culture, cuisine, and ethnobotany, and enjoying an unforgettable lunch - is always my favorite day of the trip. Her work and passion are helping to preserve the cultural and ecological diversity being lost in southern Mexico and around the world. In addition to tours and the cooking school, Seasons of my Heart also provides books, visual media, and food products - www.seasonsofmyheart.com. REGUA - Reserva Ecologica Guapiacu - The Atlantic Rainforest of eastern Brazil, famous for its high biodiversity and extreme endemism, is one of the most endangered habitats on Earth with only about 10% remaining intact. The conservation efforts of REGUA include reforestation, the reintroduction of unique species, education, land purchases, and community involvement. They've been very successful, and I feel deeply grateful to have been able to enjoy the fruits of their labors - www.regua.org. BUTTERFLIES AND THEIR PEOPLE - While we've had the good fortune to have traveled to many of the world's premier wildlife destinations, seeing many amazing landscapes and species, the monarch butterfly sanctuary at Cerro Pelon in the small village of Macheros in central Mexico is quite possibly the most impressive natural experience we've had......which is quite the statement for us. Equally impressive are the community-based conservation efforts of Butterflies and Their People, one of the most well-organized and effective grass roots conservation groups we've encountered - www.butterfliesandtheirpeople.org AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY - The ABC works throughout the Americas, including with many local partners in many of the landscapes where I travel in Latin America - www.abcbirds.org. I feel very lucky to have seen many of the endangered birds that they've worked to protect. BOSQUE ETERNO DE LOS NINOS (Children's Eternal Rainforest)- This amazing 60,000-acre reserve in northwestern Costa Rica, run by a private, non-profit conservation organization, supports education, reforestation, and research programs. It also hosts visitors and provides great service and a unique opportunity to experience a large and superbly intact ecosystem - www.acmcr.org BENITO HERNANDEZ - I've been fortunate to join Benito on many trips to Oaxaca, my favorite place in Mexico, as well as the Yucatan and western Mexico. Though originally a cultural history guide, Benito has become an excellent naturalist and birder. His professional but easy going approach, attention to detail, and positive attitude have made it a pleasure to co-lead with him. He leads tours throughout the state and can be reached at alban45@hotmail.com or www.discover-oaxaca.com. Vortex Optics and Nikon Optics - In addition to providing very good binoculars and other optics, these two companies have been very generous in donating and repairing optics for many people I work with in Latin America. They both provide outstanding and quick service, and their generosity has helped support nature-based tourism in many of the countries where I travel.
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