Colombia expands forest conservation and protected areas

In Colombia, environmental conservation efforts are expanding through community-led restoration and the designation of new protected areas in Antioquia and Valle del Cauca.

In Antioquia, 21 community organizations are working to restore forests and protect jaguar habitats across the North, Northeast, and Bajo Cauca regions. The ‘Sembremos Confianza’ project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to mitigate the effects of deforestation, mining, and armed conflict. The initiative has identified approximately 632,000 hectares for conservation and 52,000 hectares for potential environmental corridors to protect the jaguar species.

Simultaneously, the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Valle del Cauca (CVC) has officially added 2,580 hectares to the department’s network of protected areas. This includes 1,882 hectares of tropical dry forest and 20 wetlands in Bugalagrande, Andalucía, and Tuluá to safeguard water sources. Additionally, 698 hectares in Buenaventura have been designated to protect forest heritage and promote ecotourism in coordination with local community councils.