Scenes from the gathering. All photos by Melissa Espinoza.
The full parataxonomist team gathered recently in Sector Santa Rosa for their yearly workshop. It’s an inflection point moment for the parataxonomy team, as their traditional work of bioinventorying Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) is winding down (largely because of the success of their work) and we are deep in the process of evolving the parataxonomists into a team of “paraprofessionals”. During the next several years, the team of 35 parataxonomists will transition to various other roles based on their expertise and interest. For example, some may focus on bioinventorying other species, or become more involved in park management, firefighting, ecotourism, or other directions entirely. This process is unfolding in close discussion with ACG, as the parataxonomist team is an integral part of managing the more remote corners of ACG, and so as to ensure the parataxonomists are best able to support the needs of the protected area. At the meeting, Dan and Winnie spoke of the need for gentle and controlled change toward different activities that are of general benefit, while also expressing total support and appreciation for all the team does. Selena Avendaño, the GDFCF/ACG Socio-Economic Coordinator, expressed her belief that some of the parataxonomists and stations could become a driving force for change in the future, with parataxonomists passing their extensive knowledge onto tourists, students, and other scientists. Stay tuned, as there will be more updates as this transition continues to evolve. We are so grateful to the Wege Foundation and the International Conservation Fund of Canada for their ongoing and critical support of the parataxonomy program, and to all of you who have donated to their work.
Alejandro Masís, ACG Director, speaks to the parataxonomist team, while Dan Janzen listens. Photo by Melissa Espinoza.