Sustainable Development and Wild Nature Conservation in NICARAGUA
To protect and care for our environment, we are obligated to understand it. Nicaragua's unique
environment is marked by features
that require precise, scientific understanding about species and communities which have been considered little or
not at all. GAIA works on the frontiers of
science in search of information vital to protect and use sustainably our environment in a variety of locations
and ecosystems across the Nicaraguan map.
GAIA began with studies of the Midas cichlids in Laguna de Xiloá and Laguna de
Apoyo, and later
diversified into terrestrial
fauna and the interface between humans and the environment. GAIA has supported several studies on wildlife ecology
in Laguna de Apoyo
Nature Reserve and elsewhere in Nicaragua. The following is a partial list of research projects involving
GAIA, both past and present.
Ecology and Taxonomy of Fishes in Nicaraguan Freshwaters
Forest Use Research
Raptor Migration and Wind Energy
Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology
Golden-cheeked Warbler Winter Ecology
Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment Tumarin
Nicaraguan Grand Interoceanic Canal
Revista Ciencias Ambientales
Some of the scientific publications and technical reports supported by GAIA can be found
on the following link. Please visit and read about our efforts to document the environment in Nicaragua.
Scientific and Technical Publications supported by GAIA
You can help us keep nature wild in Nicaragua, by volunteering your time with us or making a small donation to support
our projects in wild nature conservation.
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The chancho cichlid, Amphilophus chancho, one of the fish species endemic to
Laguna de Apoyo, discovered by scientists working in a GAIA research project. This species is easily
seen while diving in Laguna de Apoyo. GAIA scientists continue studies in the ecology of this endemic fish species. Photo Ad Konings.
The Gaia Program experts support wildlife studies important to the economy of Nicaragua, such as the impacts of windmills on wildlife. A major
wind farm in Rivas is located along an important bird migration corridor. Photo
Wildlife such as this Pacific Screech-Owl (Megascops cooperi). GAIA conducts a long-term longitudinal study the biodiversity of
and wildlife use of different habitats in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo
Ineke van Beek.
Biodiversity studies conducted in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo Wendy van Kooten.
San Juan de Oriente, on the edge of Apoyo crater, is the most important center of
artisan ceramic pottery in Nicaragua, a sector which depends heavily on fuelwood. GAIA has published several studies of the natural resource use
patterns in the region. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
Scientific SCUBA diving in Laguna de Apoyo. GAIA can provide logistical and scientific support for studies of ecosystems such as
freshwater lakes and rivers, and tropical forests. We arrange, coordinate, and support internships and scientific partnerships throughout Nicaragua.
Photo Topi Lehtonen.
Gaia edits and publishes the scientific journal Estudios Ambientales, available free of charge to all readers
in pdf format, free of charge to all. Read scientific reports on environmental topics in Nicaragua, written by
professionals working in the country. Ciencias Ambientales publishes research reports on biodiversity,
environment, geology, geography, ecology, and associated topics. Click on the cover illustration for your copy.