An art exhibition highlighting the importance of migratory shorebirds along Guatemala’s Pacific coast opened on October 3 at the Natural History Museum of the University of San Carlos (USAC).
The exhibit features 30 paintings and drawings, along with three poems, created by students from basic education institutes in Ticanlú, Tiquisate, and Tecojate (Nueva Concepción). The works were produced during the Shorebird Festivals held in Tiquisate and Nueva Concepción, aimed at raising awareness about the conservation of these species and their habitats.
The initiative stems from the project “Strengthening a Community Network of Youth to Conserve Shorebirds and Their Habitats along Guatemala’s Pacific Flyway”, funded by Point Blue Conservation Science and MSP+ Science for Action, and implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in collaboration with local partners.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until November 14 at the USAC Natural History Museum (Calle Mariscal Cruz 1-56, Zone 10, Guatemala City). In addition to the artworks, visitors can explore information about shorebird ecology, the significance of migratory routes, and actions that citizens can take to support their conservation.
During the Festivals that gave rise to the exhibition, the municipalities of Nueva Concepción and Tiquisate, Mesa de Mangle, Magdalena, Campo para Crecer, the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), the National Forest Institute (INAB), the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), as well as community and non-governmental organizations also took part.
According to WCS, the initiative seeks to bridge Pacific coastal communities with urban residents, fostering sustainable development, environmental education, and the protection of Guatemala’s marine and coastal ecosystems.