#FFNnominee2022

While working towards his biodiversity master’s degree, José Luis Pérez González is already putting his knowledge to work. José is the co-founder of the Atelopus Foundation, an organisation committed to developing and monitoring conservation programmes for amphibians in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region in Colombia. This is the only place still holding stable populations of harlequin toads, despite being the most threatened amphibians in the world due to chytrid fungus, climate change and habitat loss. The reason why the tiny frogs are thriving there remains unknown, but could be key to their survival elsewhere. José’s long-term objective is to ensure the conservation of two critically endangered endemic species of harlequin toads in the region: the starry night harlequin toad and the Sierra Nevada harlequin toad. By gathering important data on the species and their habitat, conducting population monitoring and setting up community conservation strategies, José and his team at Atelopus have managed to gain important insight and information into the species that can help them survive.
If José wins the 2022 FFN Award, he hopes to ensure the long-term survival of the critically endangered species of harlequin toads in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region. Currently only 25% of this mountainous area is declared a national park and humans are threatening its biodiversity. Through their project, José and his colleagues will focus on conserving these habitats through education, improving land management strategies, and promoting collaboration between government entities.
About Future For Nature:
The Future For Nature Foundation (FFN) supports young, talented, and ambitious nature conservationists committed to protecting species of wild animals and plants. We believe in the power of the individual. Therefore, we select a new generation of nature conservationists who we believe make the difference for the future of nature. Natural leaders who inspire and with their drive and ‘stubbornness’ achieve impressive results. Annually, we put three of these promising young people in the spotlight.
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