November 2011-February 2012

Land search

Two properties have come up for sale within the area where we are interested in acquiring land. They are called Santa Helena and Pelicano Quemado (Burnt Pelican). Both are close to El Saladillo, a property we had looked at previously (see Circular 12). We are particularly interested in looking at Santa Helena (9000 acres), which has a good mix of habitats and shares its northern border with Palmares Reserve. The properties were identified by a member of our Church (“Gringo”) who has relatives that live in the region (see Circular 11). This fact underlines the value and potential of working through local Church networks! Though the Santa Helena property (equivalent to 6000 football fields)  is relatively small when compared to others in the region, the asking price is most likely to be well beyond the current level of pledges we have received so far (approx $100,000). If after inspecting the land and talking to the owners we consider this to be a viable option, we will put together a prospectus for potential donors and/or ethical investors.

Santa Helena and Pelicano Quemado   

24°14'40.91"S/ 63°28'20.49"W

Bird survey

Discussion with local conservation biologists (who work for the Universidad Nacional de Jujuy and CEBIO, a private conservation organization) has led us to consider starting our bird survey work by replicating a study that was conducted in 1985. The area looked at in that study has since been deforested, so by doing a repeat study using the same methods we should be able to get a good idea of how the bird species list and abundance have been affected by these changes. We will then apply the same method in the area of the Chaco that still has forest cover but which is under threat. This will provide a baseline for monitoring what happens there over the coming years. We are on track to conduct survey work during the dry season, and are in the process of putting work teams together. There will be another survey during the wet season, towards the end of the year. We have at least three people from the UK who have expressed an interest in participating in this study, and aim to arrange a visit for foreigners sometime in July and August. This is a unique opportunity to come and visit the Chaco, and get first-hand experience of the region´s wildlife, its indigenous peoples as well as seeing some of the spectacular scenery of the Andes.   

 It could be you!

Ongoing funding needs

In order to host researchers and visitors in the Chaco we are aiming to acquire a robust (industrial) caravan. The Chaco can be a pretty rough place, especially for those who are not used to such conditions, and adequate accommodation is often difficult to arrange. Having something mobile means that it will afford us great flexibility, as the unit can be used at multiple locations, according to need and season.  A unit like the one shown on the right would allow us to host up to 6 persons in relative comfort. We can buy a mobile home in the range of £20,000; especially if we go for a second hand one. If this is something you would like to contribute towards, please contact Andrew, via the email address shown below.

Where you might be staying if you come and  count birds with us in the Chaco

Other work

During January Andrew was in Cambodia, helping facilitate meetings for Compassion International.  Working with Christian professionals is always inspiring. A key challenge during the meetings was aligning vision, mission, actions, outputs and impacts (not as easy as it might first appear!), but so crucial to ensuring effectiveness. Lessons learnt there will be helpful in running Land for Life. 

The trip took him via the UK, which on the way there allowed him to spend a few hours in meetings with CMS in Oxford. It was a good opportunity to meet staff there and discuss some of our work. On the way back he was able to visit his parents in Norfolk.

Andrew with Compassion staff in Cambodia, including members of their executive team, during a quick visit to Angkor Wat temple ruins. 

Andrew has also been involved in helping Catherine Le Tissier (our Bishop´s wife) to put together an exciting proposal for mobilizing local indigenous churches to help young families to bring up and disciple their children.

Family  news

The kids had a wonderful time in the UK, visiting grandparents and some of their friends. Tomas spent a few days in Mallorca with Maria’s parents, who then in turn went over to the UK to see Cecilia and Carolina.  A highlight for Cecilia was a 2-day visit to her godmother in France. Andrew and Maria enjoyed a great holiday in Costa Rica. Their travels took them via Bolivia, where they met up with friends from their work days in Honduras. We are now back into school routine and all those travels seem like a distant dream now. Tomas has already been back at University for a week. He is doing well, having just passed another major exam. He is now hunting for a flat.

Prayer Pointers

·         Pray for funds to be made available for the land purchase.

·         Pray that we may get a bank account for Land  for Life

·         Pray for encouragement in what we are doing, as it often feels like an uphill struggle (including vertical climbs!)

Contact: andrewleake@gmail.com