International Butterfly Breeders Association Assists Tropical Wing Nature Center and their Community
On the recent IBBA trip to Belize, one of our many adventures took us to Tropical Wings Nature Center in the Cayo District just outside of San Ignacio. Here we toured the farm and met the family who run the Butterfly Nature Center where school groups, residents and international travelers are introduced to the many native butterflies of Belize. The mission of Tropical Wings is to educate its visitors on the importance of protecting the rain forests and natural environments of Belize.
The global Corona Pandemic has affected everyone, everywhere. The Cayo District is in an area where there is no access to the city water system. The water supply comes solely from purchasing truckloads of water each month for personal and farm use. With Covid stay in place orders and international travel restrictions imposed, the income generated at the Nature Center and used for the purchase of this precious resource has become nonexistent. Tropical Wings was faced with the prospect of abandoning the Nature Center due to the lack of water.
Our friends at Tropical Wings reached out to the IBBA for assistance. Tropical Wings acquired a small trailer and water tank but did not have the resources to purchase a water pump that could be used to draw water from a nearby river. In response to this, the IBBA has provided the funds for the purchase of this water pump and within days this has, not only provided water for Tropical Wings, but for the entire community, as they are using the pump to bringing water to the district for many of their neighbors.
In addition to the worldwide pandemic, Belize is also experiencing drought conditions which have caused rampant wildfires in, and around, the area of the Nature Center. With the ability to now draw water from the river the community has been able to fight many of the small brush fires that might, otherwise, burn out of control and threaten their homes and businesses.
https://amandala.com.bz/news/forest-fires-raging-in-western-and-southern-belize/
The IBBA is happy and proud to have been able to contribute the water pump that is being used to save so much.
Letter From Tropical Wings
Hello [IBBA],
Yesterday was a very productive day. I did not write to you as I promised since the day went by so fast and we were extremely tired. The pump came just in time as needed. We managed to do two runs of water loads for us and the farm and three loads of water for our community. At the moment with this drought we are experiencing wild fires causing health issues and panic with the amount of smoke being produced day and night. Today will be another day once more where we will be more than grateful for the help we received from you guys. May God bless your kind hearts and we will keep you posted as our long dry days continue.Warm regards
Hugo and Denny
