Tjalle Boorsma

Tjalle Boorsma is a Dutch biologist and bird conservationist who left his homeland to protect threatened bird species in Bolivia, including the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw, an endemic bird with an estimated global population size of only 426–455 individuals. Tjalle discovered their previously unknown nesting sites and gained crucial information for designing a conservation programme for these unique birds. Key to this, is the development of strategies to collaborate with private cattle ranchers to assure landscape scale conservation and adopting sustainable best-practice ranching techniques that demonstrate improved productivity and economic revenues.

Background

Tjalle studied Forest and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. In 2011, during his master’s thesis in Bolivia, he experienced the country’s breath-taking biodiversity—and witnessed its rapid destruction. Moved by this contrast, he made a life-changing decision in 2015 to leave behind the comforts of home and relocate to Bolivia, determined to halt the decline of its most threatened bird: the Blue-throated Macaw.

At the Barba Azul Nature Reserve, Tjalle studied the macaw’s behaviour and habitat, working closely with private landowners to protect critical breeding areas. He also helped launch an education programme and, drawing on data from the nesting sites, led the innovative design of a custom “penthouse nest box” to replicate natural breeding conditions. His efforts extended to coordinating the purchase of a 2,421-hectare reserve, safeguarding essential macaw nesting grounds.

Tjalle’s organisation, Asociación Armonía, runs 14 conservation programmes across the country that protect Bolivia’s natural heritage while supporting local communities.

Laney Rickman reserve sustainable ranching team. F.l.t.r: Tjalle, Boorsma, Abdon Vargas, Luz Natalia Mercado (photo by Bennett Hennessey/Asociación Civil Armonía); Blue-throated Macaw on nest box (photo by Márton Hardy/Asociación Civil Armonía); Tjalle Boorsma and Alba Navarro observing mammals (photo by Márton Hardy/Asociación Civil Armonía)

Vision and Approach

Tjalle is convinced that a single charismatic species can serve as a powerful symbol to mobilise conservation efforts across entire ecosystems. The Blue-throated Macaw plays exactly that role. Protecting it means preserving the unique seasonally flooded savannas it inhabits.

This ecosystem is shared with private cattle ranchers, whose activities often threaten habitat integrity—especially through mechanised agriculture converting native grasslands into monocultures of rice, sugarcane, and soya. While protected areas remain vital, Tjalle argues that traditional conservation approaches alone are insufficient. He is pioneering collaborative solutions with ranchers to achieve large-scale conservation outcomes.

A key part of this work is Alianza Eco Ganadera Beni (Eco-Ranching Alliance of Beni). Tjalle explains:

“Under the umbrella of the Alianza Eco Ganadera Beni, we have developed the Guidelines for Sustainable Cattle Ranching in the Beni. We’ve also created a brand and are now defining certification standards. We currently work with eight ranchers who are transitioning from conventional to sustainable practices.”

At the heart of his mission is a sustainable ranching model being piloted on 50% of the Barba Azul Nature Reserve, where Asociación Armonía manages 1,050 cattle.

“This project, which I initiated and oversee, demonstrates how sustainable ranching can support both conservation and economic viability. The reserve functions as both a model farm and a living laboratory. Our aim is to host visiting ranchers to share our experiences and promote broader adoption of sustainable practices.”

Through this initiative, Tjalle seeks to engage business-minded landowners, showing that well-managed, low-density cattle ranching can contribute positively to habitat restoration and conservation targets.

Moving Forward

Since receiving the Future for Nature Award in 2020, Tjalle’s conservation work has significantly expanded. In 2021, he handed over his responsibility as coordinator for the Barba Azul Nature Reserve, allowing him to focus on other urgent projects, while continuing as lead investigator for the Blue-throated Macaw project.

One such new focus is the Red-fronted Macaw, another endemic and critically endangered bird. Conservation activities include community-based ecotourism, sustainable agriculture initiatives, educational programmes, and awareness campaigns targeting wildlife trafficking. Tjalle’s team is also testing nesting boxes to boost breeding success within the Red-fronted Macaw Community Reserve.

Tjalle currently serves as the Conservation Program Director at Asociación Armonía, Bolivia’s BirdLife Partner. He oversees eight major programmes focused on the protection of at least twelve threatened bird species across Bolivia. These initiatives range from environmental education in rural schools to large-scale anti-trafficking campaigns, the creation of private and municipal reserves, and direct support for national parks.

While initially focused on the Blue-throated Macaw, Tjalle now also leads efforts for species including the Palkachupa Cotinga, Horned Curassow (see this video for an expedition in search of this incredible bird), Masked Antpitta, Great-billed Seed-Finch, and the newly discovered Inti Tanager. He has coordinated national bird population censuses, including for migratory and endemic species such as the Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Blue-throated Macaw, providing critical data for conservation planning.

First ever footage of a Horned Currasow in the wild (August 2021). Photo by Asociacion Armonia

In 2023, Tjalle took part in an FFN Family Funding-supported exchange with 2022 FFN Award winner Gabriel Massocato, who works with giant armadillos. The two conservationists explored how they could learn from each other’s work and collaborate in protecting South America’s tropical savannas—both of which are under threat from recurring fire.

In 2024, Tjalle co-founded and became the voluntary interim president of the Alianza Eco Ganadera Beni, a ground-breaking initiative uniting ranchers committed to producing eco-friendly beef from the Beni savanna’s natural grasslands. The initiative is developing national and international certification systems for sustainable, grassland-friendly beef—seen as a vital alternative to destructive agricultural expansion.