A big year for CAVU

Educating and engaging key stakeholders about our natural resources...
SUMMER 2009
CAVU is a US public charity
dedicated to educating and
engaging stakeholders about
natural resource management.
CAVU uses its unique
combination of tools: flight, film
and education to inspire
conservation action and
empower local communities.
When people are informed and
engaged, healthy societies and
renewable natural resources
Photo by Jordan Vaughan Smith
thrive.
CAVU pilot David S. Smith, with co-pilot
26-day old Niva Shiverick Smith's hand
on controls, enroute to her first landing -on a 1500' jungle airstrip.
A big year for CAVU
Last May, I sat on a wooden stool in an open-air community
hall in Bahía Ballena, a coastal village in Costa Rica’s canton of
Osa, anxiously awaiting the “world premier” of our film,
Nuestras Aguas, Nuestra Vida.
Despite the anticipation, heat and throngs of excited people
crammed into the space, I was moved almost to tears.
It was at that moment I realized how lucky we at CAVU really
are: In our day-to-day work, we strive to give voice and a new
perspective on conservation to people in remote Latin American communities who’ve rarely benefited from either. It’s as
effective as it is emotional. We don’t force change or impose
our values on others; we present information, perspectives and
opinions from within, and allow them to choose.
The right to self-determination is fundamental not just to
democracy but also to conservation. We at CAVU relish in the
opportunity to catalyze healthy debate about the future of
natural resource management and conservation in communities that others might long ago have given up on.
Watching this process unfold, hearing people opine on their
own futures and observing as they react to their friends and
neighbors on the “big screen” is an experience like no other.
But the combination of flight, film, and education is not just
moving; it’s powerful, and often a catalyst for real action and
change.
The last twelve months have been enormous for CAVU. We
completed films and conducted flight missions in virtually
every country in Central America, and worked with partners
large and small, ranging from The Nature Conservancy and
The World Wildlife Fund to Defensores de la Naturaleza and
Paso Pacifico. But perhaps most importantly, we’ve had the
good fortune to find and hire onto our team an extraordinarily
talented and dedicated group of individuals.
It feels good to be growing – but it feels even better to be
making a difference. This year, our films were featured on
Belize National Television, screened for legislators, ministers
and international conservationists at historic Cine Magaly in
San José and equally as importantly, sparked real debate in
that tiny community hall in Bahía Ballena and dozens others
like it.
As our staff continues to grow and our horizons broaden, we
are thankful for the opportunity to share in these moments with
communities – and grateful to all of those who make it
possible, from the local people featured in our films to our
partners and donors in far-off countries.
Today, I sit on my deck with our newly born baby Niva in my
arms, hoping that maybe someday, she too may benefit from,
or partake in, CAVU’s good work.
David S. Smith
President, CAVU
FLIGHT PROGRAM
In little more than a year, CAVU’s Fight
Program has taken off — playing a key role in
conservation initiatives in six countries across
Mesoamerica.
Our partners range from small,
grassroots groups like Amigos
de Osa in Costa Rica to large
international organizations like
World Wildlife Fund and
Conservation International, as
well as the region’s governmental agencies and some of
its most highly-regarded
universities.
“Thanks so much – job well done. We can now organize to combat the
infractions we saw today. These discoveries will be noted in the Fiscal’s
logbook and investigated.”
- Lic. Elías Villalta Dávila, Osa Chief Prosecutor, Costa Rica
“The flight was excellent and surpassed my objectives, not only in helping me
explain the concept of the biological corridor to my partners but also to let me
see and explain to them the threats to the areas and examples of good
projects of conservation and sustainable tourism projects. We now have many
examples that can be promoted as community development. Thanks for the
opportunity.”
- Liza González, Country Director, Paso Pacifico, Nicaragua
The key to our success?
CAVU prides itself on
outstanding, professional
service with all partners, large
and small – and offers a
unique vantage point that’s hard to duplicate anywhere else.
We use the finest pilots and aerial photographers 21st century
aircraft, mapping and photographic technology. Thanks to our
insistence on using only the very best, and our strategic
partnerships with conservation groups dedicated to making a
difference, CAVU flight has gathered unprecedented amounts
of aerial data, technical information and by extension, encouraged broad collaboration among various stakeholders.
Our flights have contributed directly to public policy changes,
the closing of illegal construction projects, the capture of fishing
vessels in prohibited areas, preservation of RAMSAR wetlands
and long-term scientific research projects – in just the last year!
-Michele Gangaware
BUSTED!
Caño Negro is one of Costa Rica’s most threatened wetlands. Together
with local activist Andrea Corte, CAVU helped expose and document
threats to the wetland’s long-term sustainability. Partner Corte has
incorporated high-resolution, GPS- stamped photos like the one above,
provided by CAVU, into lawsuits filed with the country’s highest environmental court, the Tribunal Ambiental.
Since October 2008, CAVU volunteer pilots have flown weekly
surveillance patrols to enhance and support Fundacion MarViva’s
efforts in the largely unprotected and biologically rich waters of the
southern Pacific of Costa Rica. The project has been a success –
leading to increased control, vigilance and protection of one of the
region’s richest, and most vulnerable, marine reserves. The project
was recently highlighted on Teletica, Costa Rica’s most watched
television channel.
Together with Amigos de Osa, we documented and patrolled the
lands around the Corcovado-Maptapalo Biological
Corridor of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Amigo’s biologists were
thrilled with the aerial view we provided – allowing them to assess
and document the connectivity and quality of forested lands
Twenty nine kilometers south of the capital San Jose, the cloud
forest of El Cornelio lies amidst one of Costa Rica's most defor-
outside the boundaries of Corcovado National Park used by many
species, including the critically endangered jaguar.
ested areas, the Acosta Region. In April, CAVU flew FUNDECOA
(The Cornelio Ecological Foundation of Acosta) President Adilio
Antonio Zeledón Meza and CAVU Program Director and CAVU
photographer Dave Sherwood, to capture high-resolution GPS
photography of the area’s remaining forests, watersheds, high risk
landslide areas and current uses.
A combined effort of The Nature Conservancy, CAVU and Costa
Rica’s Environmental Tribunal, this strategic mission identified
illegal construction sites from the air over Costa Rica’s Fila
Costeña, using GPS technology and photography. Costa Rica’s
Environment Minister, local land managers and Tribunal judges
Working together with our Guatemalan partner, Defensores de la
Naturaleza, we carried out daily scientific flights over virtually all of
the country’s major wetlands, identifying and photographing
touched ground with all the information necessary to carry out
ground sweeps resulting in the closure of more than a dozen illegal
projects.
waterfowl species from the air and assessing overall wetland
health. See break out section for full report on this exciting mission!
Flights in Panama and Costa Rica allowed representatives of this
CAVU flew grassroots NGO Paso Pacifico over their project areas –
multinational team to experience first hand the beauty and rich
identifying key areas in biological corridors across the endangered
biodiversity of some of these countries’ wildest places. During this
tropical dry forests and coastal-marine ecosystems of Nicaragua.
multi-day flight mission, we flew over the majority of Costa Rica
Flights served as a training platform for newly installed community
and Panama’s Pacific coasts, patrolled for illegal fishing and landed
based rangers working to protect important sea turtle nesting
on remote dirt airstrips in both countries for on-site inspections and
beaches. A heartfelt thank you to Capt. Kevin Roache for volun-
education regarding threats facing these coastal and marine areas.
teering his time and talents during this multi-day flight mission!
CAVU has also partnered with Paso Pacifico in an upcoming film
project that will be used in educational outreach in the region.
beginning in 2010.
Duck Hunting in Guatemala
Guatemala has long been known for its
Mission accomplished, and then some! Thanks
towering volcanoes, clear mountain lakes
to meticulous planning and the comprehensive
and exquisite Mayan culture – but few
coverage offered by CAVU, biologists identified
recognize its importance as a wintering
ground for North America’s ducks and
migratory water birds.
On Monday February 23, 2009, CAVU
volunteer pilot Captain Bob Morrison,
photographer and project director Dave
Sherwood and flight program director
Michele Gangaware departed in N206WY
for Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The mission: Conduct aerial surveys of all of
Guatemala’s major wetlands with biologists
from two of the country’s most prominent
institutions: Defensores de la Naturaleza,
the country’s leading conservation group,
and the University of San Carlos, one of
Latin America’s most important universities.
The goal: To assess habitat for migratory
waterfowl and identify, photograph and
count all species present.
multiple new wetlands inhabited by wintering
waterfowl, documented new species and
discovered wetlands endangered by agricultural
and development practices.
CAVU provided Defensores with data files that
included the flight track, waypoints of interest
and route maps of the completed surveys.
Using this data and accompanying highresolution, GPS-embedded photographs,
researchers precisely identified not only the
wetland locations and status, but also counted
individual birds, distinguished sex and species
and identified aquatic vegetation types and
coverage.
The photos and information collected on this
mission have already been cited in numerous
government and university reports – and will
help determine public policy with regards to
wetland protection and migratory waterfowl in
the near future.
PICTURE PERFECT!
CAVU aerial photographs are captured with state-of-the-art digital
technology. After each mission, partners receive high-resolution
macro- and micro- photos embedded with GPS and directional
information, altitude, time and date EXIF-data.
“This year, the aerial surveys were particularly successful. Not only did we meet
our objectives, but we received a bonus: Excellent photographs that allowed us
to make out details of flocks of ducks, anhd individuals that would otherwise
have gone unnoticed from the air.”’
- Raquel Siguenza de Micheo, Biologist, University of San Carlos, Guatemala
JUNQUILLAL
Communicating the effects of climate change – and the urgency of action –
is arguably the greatest challenge facing environmental educators today.
When the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s
Our challenge was to make climate change real, and
largest and most influential environmental groups, knocked on
relevant, for these people, and to help them learn to
CAVU’s door with a proposal to create the newest “tool” in
deal with its eventual effects not only on themselves,
their ‘climate change toolkit’ – we didn’t hesitate.
but on marine turtles, too.
The project, proposed to us by WWF’s Carlos Drews, one of
After a week of filming, CAVU president David Smith,
Latin America’s foremost marine turtle biologists, seeks to
project coordinator Dave Sherwood and cameraman
explain the effects of climate change on marine sea turtles –
Alvaro Rodríguez discovered a proud little town with a
and more importantly, encourage local communities to act
deep understanding of sea turtles, their biology and
while there’s still time.
future threats. “What’s good for people is good for sea
turtles” quickly emerged as a theme – and many we
The project, Drews told us, would highlight a community turtle
interviewed gave us tangible examples of how this was
project in Playa Junquillal, a critical leatherback sea turtle
so. The hope is that this 15-20 minute film might
nesting beach along Costa Rica’s quickly developing north-
highlight the accomplishments at Junquillal – and help
western Pacific coast. There, a group of proud Costa Ricans
educate other coastal communities throughout Latin
had successfully reduced poaching of endangered leatherback
America.
eggs to near zero, built and operated a model hatchery and
encouraged sustainable, eco-friendly practices – from reduced
In many ways, we discovered Junquillal is special
lights on the beach to rural tourism.
because it’s not: Like so many others in Latin America –
it’s not part of a wildlife refuge, it benefits from no
Their efforts, Drews explained, would be in vain if steps
special status, yet it is blessed with an abundance of
weren’t taken to safeguard the beach and turtles from the
natural resources, including marine turtles.
effects of climate change.
Such remote, little-known communities have always
Despite such a compelling story, we were faced with an
been the breeding ground for CAVU’s most successful
undeniable truth, the same one confronted by educators
projects. The final production is due complete by July
around the world: Some in this humble town were naturally
15 – stay tuned.
more concerned with their day-to-day lives than they are with
climate change – a seemingly remote threat when weighed
against more pressing needs, like food or family.
- Dave Sherwood
NUESTRAS AGUAS,
NUESTRA VIDA
The Osa region of Costa Rica is the country’s last frontier, a bastion
many expressed a new ownership and understanding of the water
of biodiversity and protected areas. Threats loom, however, as
crisis – and said they felt more empowered than before to affect
large-scale, destructive development jeopardizes these resources
change upon their local government. Pressure to properly control
and those who depend on them.
and plan for development in the Osa region has increased ever
since – proof that local action matters.
This tug of war set the scene for Nuestras Aguas, Nuestra Vida,
filmed last year in Uvita de Osa, in southwest Costa Rica. CAVU,
Shortly thereafter, the film was screened at San José’s most historic
together with partner The Nature Conservancy, took to the field,
theater, Cine Magaly, where it was received by a crowd of hundreds,
interviewing dozens of people on film amidst a water shortage – a
including legislators, government ministers and representatives from
bizarre twist of fate in dense tropical forest blessed with so much
international NGOs.
rain. Construction of second homes and condominiums in the
watersheds that originate far in the Fila Costeña, the region’s coastal
Over the next few months, CAVU’s team, together with support from
mountain range, had denuded hillsides of trees and led to extreme
The Nature Conservancy, presented the film to schoolchildren and
siltation and erosion. Traditional water supplies, including springs
residents of villages throughout the Osa region, in concert with an
and aquifers, have been destroyed, sometimes permanently, in the
educational program that focused on measurable results – gauging
process.
citizen understanding before and after viewing the film.
The 26-minute film that resulted encourages grassroots activism as
The film is currently shown to incoming Peace Corps volunteers and
a primary tool in defending natural resources, and gives residents an
negotiations are underway with the Ministry of Education to
opportunity to voice solutions and a path towards more sustainable
distribute copies to elementary schools throughout the country.
development in the future.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Shortly after production, the CAVU team screened a preliminary,
“field-cut” version of Nuestras Aguas, Nuestra Vida in an open-air
hall in Uvita, where most of the filming took place. Hundreds turned
out to enjoy food, drink and dancing. In interviews that followed,
COCKSCOMB: JAGUAR PROUD
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s first
Our findings? Jaguars here are well protected, in large part
jaguar reserve – and the stage for CAVU’s latest
thanks to the efforts and understanding of the people that live,
English-language film.
study and work in the park. And although some community’s
Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, a world-renowned biologist who began his
to learn more about conservation not only of the jaguar but also
career in big cat conservation deep in the rainforests of Central
Belize, is one of this project’s most ardent supporters.
members lack understanding of the park’s benefit they are eager
of their own lands. They are proud of the abundance of their
healthy ecosystem and their history of protecting the elusive
jaguar.
Rabinowitz charged us with creating a film that would highlight
the benefits of the park and the importance of protecting jaguars
in Belize. It was a tall order: the surrounding communities are
depressed, government and private funding is tight, and the
MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
benefits of the park are lost in the local’s everyday life struggles.
Immediately after production,
the team screened a preliminary,
Thanks to the enthusiastic field support of Belize Audubon
field-cut version of the film to
Society, funding from the Wildlife Conservation Society, and
enormous crowds in schools in
intellectual support from Panthera Foundation, CAVU delved into
both Maya Center and Maya
this thorny topic – seeking to convey the benefits of the park and
Mopan. The reaction was one of
the difficulties faced by surrounding communities.
gratitude, but also, of pride in
place – and the smiles on
The local people and their enthusiasm set the tone for the film,
people’s faces as they watched
as they always do in CAVU productions – and this sense of
friends and family appear on
Mayan pride quickly evolved into the main theme. Over the
screen spoke for themselves.
course of 10 days of filming, the CAVU team captured the
excitement of a middle school trip to the Cockscomb, visited
The completed film has just
with ranchers, set camera traps with scientists and conducted
recently been released and is
over flights to survey threats along the park’s perimeter.
being used as a local educational tool by facilitators and educators,
including Belize Audubon and local school districts. Last month was
it’s first broadcast on Belize national television; we are told the first
of many such broadcasts.
NEW AT CAVU
CAVU is growing! In little more than a year, our full-time staff has grown to six.
We’re proud of our team! They represent the best of the best in each of their
respective fields.
Bob Morrison
A New Home for CAVU!
In February 2009, CAVU’s Central American office relocated to
new headquarters in Escazú, San Jose, Costa Rica. Once the
most important feature was secured – a fenced-in yard for CAVU
family dogs — especially mascot Bruno, known around town as
El Famoso – the rest just fell into place. With sufficient space for
a full staff, a conference room and an edit suite, the new headquarters allow CAVU to centralize existing data, streamline
production and increase overall efficiency. The coffee is on, and
we hold meetings on the shaded patio... all CAVU supporters are
welcome to visit. We hope to see you soon!
Captain Bob Morrison has been
flying missions with CAVU since
April 2008 and requests for his
dedicated professionalism,
technical expertise and good
sense of humor come in
by the dozen! Captain Bob has
recently flown missions with MarViva, Defensores de Naturaleza,
FUNDECOA and Conservation International. With a master’s
degree in BioAeronautics and vast flight experience gained while
living in Argentina, Great Britain, Honduras, the United States and
Costa Rica, Captain Bob is a invaluable member of the CAVU
team. Thanks, Bob!
Marcela Naranjo
New Faces at CAVU
Dave Sherwood
Dave Sherwood is an award-winning
reporter whose work appears
regularly in The New York Times, The
Miami Herald and National
Geographic Online. You’ve seen his
research, interview and production
Marcela Naranjo, CAVU's newest Project
Coordinator, came to CAVU via Playa del
Carmen, Mexico, where she managed a
dive shop and exercised her 5 languages
(plus a bit of Mandarin) with clients from all
over the world. Previously, she had worked
with MarViva and Deep Ocean Quest, in Costa Rica and Panama.
Marcela's passion for languages, learning and conservation - and
her pride in place and sharp sense of humor, are a perfect fit as
CAVU expands throughout Latin America.
skills at work in both Nuestras Aguas,
Nuestra Vida and Cockscomb:
Marcela Morales
Jaguar Proud.
A naturalist guide for over a decade, Marcela
Dave has been promoted to Outreach Campaign Director, where he
Morales joined CAVU as a skilled and enthusiastic
will be leading CAVU films and educational materials from concept
Office Coordinator in February. While managing the
to completion all around Latin America. Dave brings to CAVU
new home of CAVU and supporting the team in
passion for the outdoors and an insatiable curiosity about conser-
two languages, Marcela is completing her studies
vation, natural resource and environmental issues. Congratulations,
in Natural Resource Management, teaching yoga and spending as
Dave!
much time as she can hiking and birdwatching. Welcome, Marcela!
New Faces at CAVU (continued)
Emily Barrett
Alvaro Rodríguez
Whether working in marketing,
For most, one year living in the
public relations, or catering, Emily
austerity that typifies socialist
Barrett, CAVU’s grant writer and
Cuba would be enough.
communications specialist, has
But our newest cameraman,
always edited and polished writing
Alvaro Rodríguez, chose to
for coworkers, friends and
devote three years there, honing his skills and earning an advanced
employers. A graduate of Montana State University in Bozeman
degree at one of the world’s most acclaimed film schools, the
with a BA in English, Emily now resides in beautiful Portland,
Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV in San Antonio de los Baños.
Oregon. As a published writer and experienced editor, she has
Alvaro has participated in 23 films, most related to environmental
proven herself an invaluable asset to CAVU, bringing grace, good
issues. Now back in his native Costa Rica, he brings a wealth of
writing and sharp eye for funding possibilities to our quickly
experience working in Latin America to CAVU.
growing team.
Apdo. 621-1260
Plaza Colonial
Escazú, Costa Rica
(506) 2228-3047
www.cavusite.org
941 W. Byrd, Ste. 101
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 858-8580
www.cavusite.org