Protect CIWY's Wildlife Sanctuaries from Fire

Dear supporters,

Thank you for contributing toward Ambue Ari’s protection from fire in 2021. We are so grateful to the 102 donors who raised $6,641. You helped CIWY install 3 new wells within the Ambue Ari reserve, making water more accessible to all areas. Wildfire can encroach from any direction, and with 983 hectares to protect, this was a very important improvement.

You may have noticed that we lowered the fundraiser goal by $30,000 and removed the need for a vehicle. This is thanks to an extremely generous donation from the Bolivian car company AUTOKORP, of a nearly new truck!

Also in Bolivia, Banco EcoFuturo made a substantial donation of 10,000 Bs. for fire protection supplies. And just last week the University Council of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón donated a “chata antiincendios,” a fire-fighting vehicle comprising a 1,000-liter tank, a motor pump, hoses and a towing system. Regular vehicles are often unable to penetrate the rugged terrain of Ambue Ari and its mountains, leaving us unable to get water and tools to some of the affected areas. With this new vehicle, we will be able to protect areas that even the pickup truck cannot reach.

Thank you for helping CIWY protect this vast area of pristine Amazon rainforest from wildfire. In 2020, over 400 hectares burned, but in 2021 our team managed to keep the fire out. You played a part in safeguarding the incredible species that live wild and free in this critical habitat, including the jaguar, puma, ocelot, tapir, spider monkey, and giant anteater.

It takes a massive effort each fire season, and unfortunately the Amazon fires only get worse each year, but CIWY is now much better equipped to continue protecting Ambue Ari and its wildlife.

All the best wishes for a safe and happy 2022,

The CIWY/FIWY teams