This rapid growth and expansion was due in large part to access to the public and private funding sources that exist in this country. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the experience of the conservation organizations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Thus, the development of effective conservation programs has suffered, limiting local response to environmental problems. Since 1983, the Small Grants Program has provided funding and technical assistance for that purpose. These small grants complement the WHP supported training programs by providing funds for local projects and cooperative measures that help ensure protection of habitat, biodiversity, endangered species and migratory birds.
All projects directly engage local partners in design and implementation.
Its one-week intensive training course Natural Resource Issues in Central America for Central American Environmental Policy is widely attended. On an annual basis, approximately 25 participants receive training on a wide range of conservation management topics. Gosse Bird Club, Jamaica The Gosse Bird Club produced the Teacher's Guide to Birds of Jamaica and a poster for distribution to secondary schools in Jamaica. This project is an important part of the Club's educational program which produces resource materials for teachers. In addition, numerous environmental education material packages and activities have been sponsored through the small grants program.