Conservation Fund

VCE is in the process of establishing a unique and innovative Hispaniolan Conservation Fund to serve as a long-term funding mechanism for biodiversity conservation in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.  This grew from the notion of having a "mitigation fund", whereby developers of Bicknell's Thrush habitat in the northeastern U.S. (e.g., ski areas, telecommunications companies, wind power developers, forestry interests) could mitigate effects of their activities by contributing funds to conserve habitat on the species’ wintering grounds.  We have since broadened the concept, so that the Fund will now used to support conservation of all avian taxa and Hispaniolan biodiversity in general.

We are implementing our Hispaniolan Conservation Fund in parallel with an Adirondacks-based effort, the Bicknell’s Thrush Habitat Protection Fund, which resulted from VCE’s recommendations to guide a proposed expansion of the Whiteface Mountain ski area.  Together these complementary funds have the potential to make a lasting impact on conservation of Hispaniola’s unique and threatened habitats.

As we build the Hispaniolan Conservation Fund, we are coordinating how best to implement it for on-the-ground conservation.  Our local partners in the Dominican Republic and Haiti will be closely involved, and they will be the ultimate recipients of monies disbursed.  Projects supported by the Hispaniola Conservation Fund may include habitat acquisition or restoration, development and implementation of protected areas management plans, infrastructure development, research and monitoring, training, equipment purchases for local conservation groups, community outreach efforts, or local education programs.