Seacology first worked with the village of Curaco de Vélez in 2013, when community members promised to protect a wetland that provides essential habitat for migratory birds. They kept their word—and in fact, kept protecting the wetland even after the conservation agreement with Seacology expired three years ago. A new agreement with the community ensures that this amazing area is protected for another decade.

Wetlands are natural sponges, soaking up large quantities of water and reducing flooding and storm damage. They improve water quality and sequester carbon. They provide rich habitat for wildlife. The Curaco de Vélez wetland is critical for many bird species, including endangered ones. All year, ducks, swans, rails, gulls, sandpipers, whimbrels, and more live there. During migration season, tens of thousands of birds carpet the bay’s mudflats in huge, noisy flocks.

Arguably, the star of the show is the Hudsonian godwit, a long-legged, long-billed shorebird. Every year, these birds make a round trip between Alaska and South America, spending days at a time in the air and stopping only once or twice along the way. At 9,300 miles each way, it’s one of the longest (maybe the longest) migrations known. Curaco de Vélez Bay supports about 19% of the birds that migrate along from Alaska.

Our nonprofit partner, the Tourism Association of Curaco de Vélez, helps govern the protected area, cleans up trash, and maintains infrastructure to keep vehicles out. Members also teach residents and tourists about the bay’s ecological and cultural significance, giving talks in the small Seacology-funded visitors center, which overlooks the bay. Next door, in the square where artisans sell hand-knitted sweaters and bird-themed crafts, prominent signs explain the importance of the birds and their amazing migration.

The visitors center needs repairs, and the community will use a grant to fix it up and improve it. They will put up fencing, replace some furnishings, and install solar panels. They will also produce interpretive materials and hold workshops on birds and wetlands.