Because we develop trusted relationships with local and national leaders, Nature and Culture International specializes in creating protected areas of great size. A good example is our Maijuna homeland project that is 970,000 acres—as large as 65 Manhattans. To help a partnering government set aside and protect such large parcels, it’s important to do several things well:

Good Field Science Comes First: You have to provide a comprehensive project document that is accurate and easy for local people and governmental officials to understand.

Next, A Groundswell of Interest: You have to build support beyond the professionals. People in the region, and sometimes throughout the country, have to care.

Then, Government Sign Off: Officials must approve the project and make a formal declaration of protection.

Implementation:  Only then do we go to the site and begin developing the long-term conservation and management expertise locally.

It’s a solid process. And it works.