Latin American Reserve Stewardship Initiative (LARSI)

Protecting habitat in a nature reserve is a critical step towards conserving species and preventing extinctions, but the work doesn’t end when a new protected area is established. Reserves need ongoing management, resources, and technical support to meet their conservation goals. These needs, however essential, are not always easy to find funding to support. That’s where the Latin American Reserve Stewardship Initiative (LARSI) comes in.

LARSI, a program of ABC and March Conservation Fund, was created in 2015 to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserves established by ABC and our partners. LARSI makes grants to NGOs to support the needs unique to managing reserves, from building capacity for human resources and bookkeeping to building infrastructure for ecotourism and repairing vehicles.

Since its founding, LARSI has funded work at more than 70 reserves in 13 countries. Among its success stories are Abra Patricia and Huembo, located in northern Peru and home to spectacular species such as the Vulnerable Long-whiskered Owlet and the Near Threatened Marvelous Spatuletail. ABC’s longtime partner, Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN), built lodges to welcome ecotourists and generate income for the long-term success of the reserves. LARSI made it possible for ECOAN to upgrade kitchens and lodges and install essential infrastructure. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, LARSI helped ECOAN and other NGOs stay weather the storm and maintain staffing at the reserves.

Through LARSI, ABC is ensuring our partners have the support they need to steward habitat for some of the world’s most vulnerable birds.