The Biological Field
Station of Ometepe, on the volcanic island of the same name in the Lake
of Nicaragua (Cocibolca), Nicaragua, is currently collaborating with the
Smithsonian Institution Migratory Bird Center of the United States in an
educational program designed to teach school children of both Nicaragua
and the United States about the behavior of migrant birds that bring the
two countries together. This jointly funded project enables school children
from Nicaragua to visit the diverse habitats of the island (for example
lake lagoon, Central American pacific dry forest and cloud forest), and
learn about the extraordinary behavior of migrant birds that spend half
the year in the United States and half the year in Nicaragua. These experiences
nurture in the children an awareness of the natural beauty of their home
country, and a culture of environmental appreciation and protection. More
importantly, the project supports active exchange of ideas, personal experiences
and drawings between school children of the United States and Nicaragua.
It is hoped that this early contact among school children of the two countries
will lead to increased understanding and friendship between the two countries,
as well as a greater respect for nature and a recognition that we live together
in a global ecosystem. Both Ometepe and the Smithsonian are pleased that
such a successful international exchange program targeting school children
has been realized in democratic Nicaragua.
If you would like more information on this project, or would like to support
this groundbreaking initiative financially, with educational material or
equipment (for example, bird field guides in Spanish and English, educational
supplies to support exchange among students of the two countries) or as
a volunteer, please contact:
Click
Here To Sign-Up For Bridging The Americas
In the USA contact:
Mary Deinlein
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Tel. 202-673-4908
In Nicaragua contact:
Alvaro Molina
Ometepe Biological Field Station
Maderas Volcano, Ometepe Island, Lake Nicaragua
Tel. 505-453-0875, Managua office 277-1130, 270-1176
Email ometepe@ibw.com.ni
www.lasuerte.org |
