OMAHA, Neb. - March 12, 2015 - Ducks Unlimited de Mexico's (DUMAC) Latin American Reserve Manager Training Program (RESERVA) was presented the U.S. Forest Service Wings Across the Americas International Cooperation award at an event held at the 80th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. These awards celebrate the Forest Service's partners for outstanding work in the conservation of birds, bats, butterflies and dragonflies.

Started in 1989, with support over the years from the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, Canada Wildlife Service, and numerous other partners, the RESERVA program was the first internationally focused, hands-on, training program for managing protected areas in Latin America. RESERVA graduates manage wetlands and other habitats throughout the region that are vital wintering areas for migratory species that breed on national forests and grasslands in the United States.

"The DUMAC board couldn't be more proud of Eduardo Carrera, DUMAC's CEO, and his staff," said Rogers Hoyt, DUMAC president. "This international recognition of RESERVA highlights the important role played by programs to build professional capacity in support of natural resource conservation across this region. And RESERVA wouldn't be possible without partnerships like the one we've enjoyed with the U.S. Forest Service for many years."

Objectives of the RESERVA program include:

  • Training professionals in effective natural resource management.
  • Improving the professional capabilities of organizations with natural resource conservation responsibilities.
  • Improving the strategies for biodiversity conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Providing practical tools for human resource administrators working in the ecologic, economic, political and cultural context of Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Creating the opportunity for dialogue and productive interchange between academic experts and practicing field professionals directly responsible for natural resource conservation.

To date, RESERVA has graduated 484 professionals representing 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries. For more information on the RESERVA program, visit www.dumac.org.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/DucksUnlimited, follow our tweets at twitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos at youtube.com/DucksUnlimitedInc.

Media Contact:
Gregg Powers
(901) 758-3774
gpowers@ducks.org