Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

AALP Class 13 International Study Tour to Guatemala and Belize – February 24 & 25, 2011

February 24, 2011 - Go DIEGO GO!!! Can’t stop thinking about the kids and the cartoon character Diego the animal rescuer, as we took the plane, the bus, the boat and seemingly endless uphill hike (with luggage) to arrive at ARCAS animal rescue shelter at a balmy 32 degrees Celsius.


ARCAS is a wonderful place where we found very passionate people. It is an NGO funded in 1989 by Guatemalan professionals. The main objective is to preserve endangered species native to Central America. Animal trafficking is the third largest type of trafficking in Central America behind illegal drugs and illegal weapons. ARCAS is using education of the local population by educating the kids who in turn can educate their parents. By showing the children the animals they are saving and explaining why they are doing what they are doing is extremely important as children do not have the preconceived ideas that most of the adults native to this location have. The population that lives next to the ARCAS rescue centre rely on hunting to feed their families. These people have very little money; therefore the animals represent both food and a source of income from trafficking animals. The sale of one Macaw parrot could generate as much as $5000 US. This would represent over 2 years of income for the average Guatemalan clearly illustrating the biggest challenge ARCAS faces in regard to educating the public.


At the ARCAS rescue centre we found Spider Monkey, Howling Monkey, Macaw, crocodiles and a Jaguar. Most of the animals come from rescue during criminal investigations. At their arrival animals are put in quarantine for 90 days and rehabilitation depending on the species. ARCAS has a very successful breeding program for the MACAW.
ARCAS relies on government help to achieve their objectives, but the help of the volunteers cannot be estimated. Every year ARCAS receives more than 300 volunteers from all around the world. We found 12 dedicated volunteers from the US, Europe and Canada. Most of the facilities such as the library and the new quarantine facilities were built with the help of volunteers who came and gave their time and money to the cause. For example, the library was built by a group of retired German volunteers in a week. The volunteers help keep the organization alive. We suggest anyone interested in traveling and doing something good for the environment and for wildlife to check the ARCAS website. They are open for any duration and for family volunteers and the accommodations are great.


February 25, 2011 - We had the opportunity to visit the Pentecito Zoo next to ARCAS and tour the small town of Flores. But the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the trip to Jaxha. Jaxha is an ancient Mayan temple site roughly 2 hours from Flores. The class was able to learn a small amount about the Mayan culture and gain an appreciation for the architecture of this ancient civilization. At the end of the tour, the class was able to enjoy a spectacular view of the Mayan lakes and jungles at sun set. While overlooking the jungle it is hard to imagine that this entire area was once completely cleared by the Mayans. The Mayan had a great culture that is worth discovering and learning about. Seeing all the great monuments made us think that any civilisation may have its rise and fall, but if we have respect for nature there will be always a chance for recovery and the Mayan were conscious and respectful of nature.

David Ferguson, Christa Royce, Amadou Thiam – AALP Class 13

Views: 121

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by Brent Royce on February 28, 2011 at 1:09pm

Sounds like fun.Can't wait to see the write up  on Belize.

 

Hayleigh Royce

Comment by Brent Royce on February 28, 2011 at 1:09pm

That cool hope your having fun

Emily Royce

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Maizex Seeds is Making a Bold Move into Canola with a 2026 Hybrid Launch

In a move that signals its growing ambitions in Western Canada, Maizex Seeds has announced the launch of its first canola hybrids under the Maizex brand, starting with the 2026 growing season. The Canadian farmer-owned seed brand, already known for its strong presence in seed corn, is aiming to bring that same level of performance and service to hybrid canola. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” says Blake Ashton, general manager for Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton confirms that the company will leverage its existing dealer network to roll out the new hybrids, while also looking to expand into regions not currently served. “We are very excited about th

A New Option for Canola Performance: Maizex Seeds Entering Hybrid Canola Seed Market in Western Canada

Maizex Seeds, a Canadian farmer-owned national seed brand focused on the needs of Canadian farmers, has announced the launch of Maizexbrand canola hybrids for farmers across Western Canada. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” notes Blake Ashton, General Manager with Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton notes that Maizex will be working with their current dealer network to position Maizex canola hybrids and will also be looking to add dealers in areas not serviced by the company today. “We are very excited about the potential our initial hybrid offering provides farmers,”notes Jeremy Visser, Oilseed Product Manager with Maizex Seeds. “They combine outstanding

Canadian Pork Council rejoins Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The Canadian Pork Council rejoined the CFA after more than 10 years

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Woods CRW and Merlo Announce Northeast Strategic Dealer Partnership

Merlo America has announced its newest partnership with Woods CRW, officially welcoming the dealership into its growing U.S. network.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service