During 2025 we were able to make awards to support 13 projects across Central and South America and the Caribbean, totalling over $35,000 to show our commitment to protecting some of the region’s most threatened bird species. You can download a PDF version of the report of our activities below.
The 2025 Conservation Awards Programme focuses on species facing critical challenges. In Brazil, SAVE Brasil received $3,000 to continue building protected areas for the Critically Endangered Marsh Antwren; this follows previous NBC support in 2019 and 2024. The organisation also secured $5,000 for its ongoing reintroduction programme for the Endangered Black-fronted Piping Guan in São Francisco Xavier Important Bird Area.
Several projects address knowledge gaps that are essential for conservation planning. In Colombia, researchers will investigate the taxonomic status of the Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird; determining whether it constitutes a distinct species is crucial for developing appropriate conservation measures. Similarly, Peru’s CORBIDI will study the undescribed “Chao” Spinetail, gathering baseline data on a taxon that may prove to be Critically Endangered once formally described.
Habitat conservation features prominently among funded projects. In Bolivia, the World Parrot Trust will install 120 nest boxes for Blue-throated Macaws, working alongside local communities and park rangers. Argentina’s Asociación Ambiente Sur received support to protect Magellanic Plover nesting sites through landowner agreements; this builds upon previous NBC funding for this recently uplisted Vulnerable species.
The programme also recognises the importance of sustainable land use. In Bahia, Brazil, researchers will investigate how cocoa agroforests can support White-eared Parakeets; understanding this relationship becomes increasingly relevant as cocoa production expands in response to global supply challenges.
NBC awards grants twice annually, with application deadlines on 1st February and 1st July. The organisation welcomes additional donors to expand its conservation impact; interested supporters may contact [email protected]. As a registered UK charity, NBC continues to demonstrate how targeted funding can make a meaningful difference for threatened Neotropical birds.
