Inclusive action to protect Guyana’s endangered Red Siskin
In this episode, discover the inspiring story of Leroy Ignacio, an Indigenous conservationist from the South Rupununi region of Guyana. Through his passion for nature and the discovery of the rare Red Siskin, Leroy has not only transformed his own life but also paved the way for his community to protect their environment.
Download an episode transcript here.
Explore how ecotourism, Indigenous leadership, and inclusive community efforts are protecting the Red Siskin — a stunning songbird with vibrant red feathers and a black head. Once traded for its beauty and song, this bird is now critically endangered, but hope remains through the relentless work of local rangers and the inclusion of women in conservation roles.
Episode Highlights:
- Discover the Red Siskin: Learn about the rare and vibrant Red Siskin, a critically endangered bird discovered in Guyana, and how it became the catalyst for local conservation efforts.
- Indigenous-Led Conservation: Hear how Leroy Ignacio founded Guyana’s first Indigenous-led conservation NGO, the South Rupununi Conservation Society, to protect the environment and empower his community.
- Empowering Women in Conservation: Explore the innovative ways Leroy and his team are breaking barriers by involving women in fieldwork and supporting young mothers to participate in environmental projects.
- Challenges Ahead: Understand the threats posed by infrastructure development and extractive industries, and how local communities are fighting to preserve Guyana’s pristine habitats.
Leroy’s journey from subsistence farming to spearheading environmental preservation is a testament to the power of grassroots activism. Join us in supporting Indigenous-led conservation and preserving the beauty of Guyana’s tropical forests for future generations.
How to Save It is a podcast by the Whitley Fund for Nature, highlighting Ingenious solutions from the world’s leading conservationists. New episodes are available every Friday. Listen and rate on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If you’re leading a grassroots conservation project in the Global South, apply for a Whitley Award today.
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