Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Belize Audubon Society is accepting nominations for the 38th Annual James A. Waight Award. If you know anybody that is outstanding in regards to conservation and protection of the environment, now's the time to nominate them.  The deadline is 5pm, Friday, December 15.

'The efforts of the nominee must demonstrate a strong social dimension and display innovation or non-traditional approaches.

There's 2 days left to nominate someone for the Belize Audobon Society's James A. Waight Award. Know any conservation champions?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKpaWAFlGIE/

"Don't forget, you've got just two days left to submit your nominations for the 2021 James A. Waight Award!

If you know a conservation hero in Belize who works tirelessly for the benefit of the environment, now's your chance to celebrate them!

Just email members@belizeaudubon.org before midnight on Sunday 31st with your reasons of why they should win, with photo and video supporting evidence if possible.

Full criteria for the award here - https://tinyurl.com/y2j7nt8c"

Video of the day.  Dr. Elma Kay speaks about teaching for sustainable solutions and the gap in science and innovation in Belize at the TedxBelmopan.  Dr. Kay's an expert in the field, and helped start the Environmental Research Institute at UB. 

"In her talk, Dr. Elma Kay calls Belizeans to rethink their approach to education, in an effort to close the gap in science and innovation. Dr. Elma Kay is a Belizean Scientist, University Professor and Co–founder of the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute (UB ERI), where she is currently the Administrative Director and Science Director for the Sustainable Landscapes Program. Dr. Kay has a Doctorate in Biology from Saint Louis University in the United States.

Her scientific work spans research in plant reproductive systems, evolutionary relationships in the passionflower and grass families, forest management and ecology, and the socioeconomic aspects of natural resources management and biodiversity. In 2016 she was awarded the James A. Waight Conservation Award for her conservation efforts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx"

The Belize Audubon Society presented the 2013 James A. Waight Conservation Award to Wildtracks.  Congratulations, Wildtracks!  The BAS has 4 managed protected areas in Cayo, ATM, Tapir Mountain Reserve, Guanacaste National Park, and the Blue Hole National Park.  Wildtracks, which is fundamental in Belize's wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts had this to say:

"We are feeling very honoured, and also humbled, by the outpouring of congratulations yesterday evening for Wildtracks, which has been awarded the James Waight Award for Conservation for 2013 - the most prestigious conservation award in Belize.  Whilst lost for words when accepting the prize, I feel I missed the opportunity to acknowledge all those who make what we do possible - all those community-based conservation organizations we work with, manned by people who inspire us in the words they say and things they do.  All those volunteers, both Belizean and international, who give up their time and provide their enthusiasm to keep Wildtracks activities, the NGO partners we've watched grow from strength to strength.  Those who help us when help is needed - whether it is transporting bananas, manatees or monkeys, providing veterinarian assistance or fixing broken water pumps.  Those children who have touched our hearts and shown that there is hope in the future generation.  Those people in Government, particularly the Forest and Fisheries Departments, who, despite the national economic problems affecting their work, bend over backwards to provide assistance when needed.  And to Belize, as a nation, for accepting us and providing an environment in which we can use the skills we have developed to work with others, in collaboration and partnership, towards the balance the country needs between conservation and development."

Know any outstanding conservation champions?  Now's the time to nominate them for the Belize Audubon Society's James A. Waight Award.  Nominations are open until December 17th.

"We are excited to announce that we are opening public nominations today, for the 2022 James A. Waight Award.

This award is presented annually in the memory of one of the Society’s founding members, Mr. James A. Waight, to individuals or organizations in recognition of significant contribution, nationally or locally, to the conservation and enhancement of Belize’s environment."

Congratulations, Ella Baron!  She won the 2020 James A. Waight award from the Belize Audubon Society.  She won the award for her work at the Caves Branch Botanical Gardens.  

"The James A. Waight Award is the Belize Audubon Society's annual conservation award, presented to a deserving individual or organization in recognition of positive work in the protection and enhancement of Belize ‘s environment. Held annually on February 16, the birthday of the Society's first President and a founding member James A. Waight, the 34th James A. Waight Award was presented to Mrs. Ella Baron for her outstanding contribution to Belize’s flora and fauna through environmental education, capacity building, conservation research, wildlife rehabilitation, and much more.

After the 2008 establishment of the on-site Botanical Gardens of Caves Branch Jungle Lodge alongside her husband, Ian Anderson, Ella has built a strong team to preserve Belize’s flora through collaborative research efforts, community engagement, and public awareness on its ecological value. Today, the Caves Branch Botanical Gardens hosts the country’s largest collection of orchids and bromeliads.

Also located at Caves Branch Jungle Lodge is the National Tamandua Rescue and Rehabilitation Center a refuge for the local anteater in the country. As the only Tamandua rehabilitator in the country, Ella has nursed 17 tamanduas to rehabilitation to date! Today, Ella continues her work alongside her team as a trainer, teacher, advocate of sustainable tourism & development, researcher, rehabilitator, and much more. Congratulations once again to our 2020 James A. Waight Award recipient, Mrs. Ella Baron!"

Congratulations, Roni!  He won the Belize Audubon Society's James A. Waight Award.  Well deserved.

Congratulations to our 31st James A. Waight Award Recipient, Roni Martinez!