Baboons & Biodiversity in Belize: Jessie Young on Women Collaborating for Conservation

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In the heart of Belize, one woman's vision has led to the flourishing of both wildlife and human life. This week, we delve into the story of Jessie Young and her groundbreaking work as President of the Community Baboon Sanctuary.

Jessie Young is the tenacious director of the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Conservation Group (CBSWCG). In our conversation, she paints a vivid picture of her lifelong devotion to wildlife, recounting the origins of her love for nature during her early childhood, which blossomed into a resolute commitment to safeguard the biodiversity of the Belizean rainforest.

We explore the phenomenal success story of CBSWCG, a unified force of seven determined female leaders from seven distinct villages. This collaboration has been responsible in for fortifying the sanctuary and preserving the critical Belizean corridor - a lifeline for biodiversity that serves as home to endangered species such as black howler monkeys, tapirs, spider monkeys, jaguars, and the elusive Central American River Turtle.

Despite the numerous challenges the CBSWCG has faced over Jessie's decades of stewardship - including climate change, species extinction threats, devastating hurricanes, and brain drain - Jessie highlights their resilience and unwavering commitment. Their shared purpose of preserving the sanctuary and the surrounding rainforest has been a beacon of hope, guiding their collective action.

Under the banner of the CBSWCG, these women have become more than just protectors of their 20-square-mile sanctuary - they have emerged as global advocates for conservation. The compelling narrative of their journey underscores the transformative power of dedicated individuals banding together to promote environmental sustainability.

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