We’re excited to share FCD Tracks Issue #56 — our September 2025 newsletter!

In this edition, explore the latest collaborations, field successes, and research milestones shaping conservation across Belize’s western Maya Mountains. From the renewal of key partnerships to the expansion of ranger operations and scientific discoveries, Issue #56 showcases FCD’s continued commitment to protecting both nature and culture in the Chiquibul landscape.

📌 Featured Topics:

• Renewal of the Eco-Guard Agreement with Fortis Belize Ltd., safeguarding over 1,700 acres of forest around the hydro facilities

• Ten Years of Las Cuevas Research Station — over 3,650 researchers trained and BZ$188,000 in surplus achieved

• Community outreach in the Belize River Valley under the UNDP GEF 6 project, reaching 1,649 children and 568 adults

• Scarlet Macaw release — 11 birds returned to the wild and 40 chicks fledged successfully this season

• Archaeological survey of Putz Bak, Puzlum & Spider Monkey Caves revealing new Maya cultural materials

• Assessment of artisanal gold panning impacts in the Rio Ceibo sub-watershed, mapping 426 stress sources

• Establishment of a new Chiquibul Ranger Headquarters near the Guacamallo Training Area

• FCD’s return to APAMO, strengthening collaboration among national conservation organizations

• Partnership discussions with The Nature Conservancy on Mopan River protection initiatives

• Revitalization of the Friends of Vaca Forest Reserve to promote sustainable farming and climate resilience

• Binational IWT Taskforce meeting advancing cross-border cooperation against wildlife trafficking

Join us in celebrating these milestones and the dedicated rangers, scientists, and community partners who make conservation progress possible every day. 🌿🦜🛠️