The key to conservation is getting the local community involved and committed to the goal of saving the species. This strategy has been successfully used in many other conservation projects and is considered vital to the success of the survival of the Yellow-Eared Conure.
Fieldworkers
have continually worked with the community to gather facts about
the bird known locally as the "Guacamaya". The local
people are familiar with the bird and believe that it is good
luck to touch the wings of the bird as it flies by (which is possible
according to the fieldworkers). Interviews with the campesinos
have provided valuable information about the Yellow-Eared Conure's
habits, location and movements.
Colombia's civil conflict has benefited the Yellow-Eared Conure and other endangered species in the area. The region is controlled by the FARC guerilla rebels who strictly prohibit hunting wildlife. The local people adhere to this rule. An education program will continue to help ensure that the local people abstain from hunting or robbing nests even if the guerilla are no longer in control.
An
education campaign is raising the awareness of local people who
normally would not notice the Yellow-Eared Conure other than to
admire its attractive plumage. This campaign includes talks as
well as the distribution of posters and T-shirts. The campaign
is considered to be highly successful. In fact, a keen observer
who saw the Loro Orejiamarillo poster reported the seeing the
Yellow-Eared Conure and led the Proyecto Ognorhynchus workers
to the current flock of birds. Without this report, the fieldworkers
might not have ever found the Yellow-Eared Conure.
The
education program will continue to keep the community involved
in saving the species. This plan includes presentations in schools
and public meetings; one-day workshops to involve the community
in project conservation efforts; posters; T-shirts; and advertising
a parrot conservation message on local radio and TV. These local
programs will continue to be an integral part of the conservation
strategy.
Field research of the species
will continue in order to study the breeding biology and behavior;
population movements; habitat and diet preferences; and developing
an ecological map. 
Artificial
nests will be introduced to see if the Yellow-Eared Conure will
accept them, especially in areas where nesting sites are limited.
Salt and mineral supplements will be placed in a low tree in the
roost site as a possible method of attracting flocks. All of the
data gathered from field research will be used to develop long-term
conservation strategies.
Proyecto Ognorhynchus also has
goals to purchase land in order to secure and guard small areas
of palms that are consistently used for nesting and roosting.
The
decision for purchasing land hinges upon the Yellow-Eared Conure
remaining in the area year-round. If land is purchased, it can
be managed specifically for the benefit of the species.
Another goal is to promote a Land Stewardship and Reforestation program. This plan would encourage landowners to voluntarily set aside steep slopes and wetland areas for reforestation. The volunteer landowners would be provided with fencing materials and plants with the understanding the area could not be converted to pasture for 20 years.