Message-ID: <00078196.3176@edc.org> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 1997 13:43:19 -0400 From: EdAllan <mailto:EdAllan@EDC.ORG> Subject: Biology Internship w Guatemalan Mayans - PLEASE POST To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
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EcoLogic Development Fund
TROPICAL SPECIES IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIPS
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with the Mayan Forestry Action Plan (PAF-Maya)
San Mateo Ixtatan, Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Guatemala
THE REGION
The breathtaking Sierra de los Cuchumatanes is believed by scientists on
Guatemala's Council of Protected Areas to be Guatemala's most biologically
diverse region. An enormous mountain range rising from 1,500 to 12,000 feet
above sea level, it sits on nearly 800,000 acres of national and private
lands. Yet despite its environmental significance, the unique beauty and
biodiversity of Sierra de los Cuchumatanes remains severely threatened.
Although much of the mountain range enjoys the status of a proposed national
park, no protected zones have been established, and no conservation efforts
were made before 1996 to protect it from unsustainable logging and
slash-and-burn agriculture.
THE ORGANIZATION
Widely respected within Guatemala and the international community, the Mayan
Forestry Action Plan (PAF-Maya) is unique among non-governmental
organizations, since it is a Mayan organization dedicated to the
environment. PAF-Maya is also unusual because it works effectively at both
the grassroots and national level and as a matter of policy ensures that
members of the communities where it works take their place within the
organizational leadership. PAF-Maya blends community empowerment and
development assistance and serves as a focal point for Mayan organizations
working on environmental issues.
THE PROJECT
The EcoLogic Development Fund is looking for two students with backgrounds
in the biological sciences to help with the identification of rare and
endemic species as part of a biological inventory conducted by PAF-Maya in
Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Guatemala. This inventory, a collaborative
effort between local indigenous communities, seeks to identify the region's
threatened species in order to develop a comprehensive management plan for
the protection of the area. San Mateo Ixtatan contains humid montane
forests, very humid montane forests, tropical pine and oak forests paramos,
and sub-montane tropical forests. The study will focus on Laguna Yalnobaj
in San Mateo Ixtatan, Huehuetenago, an area with a particularly high
conservation value.
In order of priority, the study will identify mammals, birds, plants, and
then freshwater fish. In addition to identifying species in the region,
student researchers also will document a more general characterization of
the region's biodiversity. In-country assistance with species
identification is available for students to consult in confirming
identification of rare species.
REQUIREMENTS
Fluent or near-fluent Spanish. Willingness to commit a minimum of 2-3
months to live with the Maya Chuj in San Mateo Ixtatan. Demonstrated
knowledge of taxonomy and preferably taxonomy of the Mesoamerican tropical
highlands. M.A., M.S., or preferably Ph.D. students are encouraged to apply.
EcoLogic will work with students to obtain funding. PAF-Maya will provide
student with room and board. Students are responsible for their own
personal expenses.
Starting date is June 1, 1997, but there is some flexibility.
For more information or to inquire about applying for a position, please
contact:
Louise M. Wills, EcoLogic Development Fund, Box 3405, Cambridge, MA,
02238-3405; USA
Phone (617) 441-6300; e-mail: mailto:lwills@ecologic.org
Please indicate PAF-Maya on all correspondence.
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The EcoLogic Development Fund (mailto:enews@ecologic.org) conserves endangered
wildlife and wildlands by working with local organizations to advance
community-based development and resource management: in the areas where
biologically diverse habitats are most threatened; where poverty is extreme;
where financial and technical assistance can reduce pressure on threatened
habitats and foster economic self-reliance.
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