CFI is seeking partnerships with international conservation groups, environmental organizations, foundations, educational institutions, student organizations, and other non-governmental organizations and individuals interested in developing and promoting international education with an emphasis on ecological conservation/rehabilitation and social justice (especially indigenous peoples' issues). These partnerships make up WISE (World Institutes for Sustainability Education), an online educational community and support network. It is through our WISE affiliates that sister Institute sites will be developed, and we will nurture collaborative education programs with and between WISE members. More information is available at www.cloudforest.org.
This year CFI plans to purchase land and create a reserve and research facility in the Andean cloud forest of Ecuador. Funding from the Student Voice of California State University Monterey Bay and private donations have garnered 35% of the $65,000 in seed money needed. Until May, CSUMB students are visiting Ecuadorian nature preserves under the guidance of director Freeda Burnstad and coordinator Dara Zimmerman. After that, work will begin on developing the facility. Anyone interested in volunteering as an intern at the site is encouraged to send an email to alida@cloudforest.org.
CFI would like to designate Honor Groves of protected forest at the reserve in the names of people they respect. When the land survey is complete, each purchaser and honoree will receive a map of the reserve indicating the exact location of that particular Honor Grove, which we encourage you to come visit. Contributions for Honor Groves begin at $100. Twenty percent of any contributions made by MEC members to CFI for this purpose will go directly to the MEC. The remaining eighty percent will be used only for land purchase. Below is a sample certificate. Contact me at the MEC or at jenny@cloudforest.org for more information about Honor Groves or joining WISE.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2001
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