This bedrock is dedicated to preserving Colombia’s distinctive organisms and endangered species while promoting green development in regional areas. We go over four important thematic areas of their work in detail below: animal protection in San José del Guaviare, tiger protection in Darién, biocultural protection initiatives with the Arhuaco indigenous people in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and exclusive reserve in the Chingaza National Park.
1. A Personal Reserve in Chingaza: A Sanctuary for the Andean Bear
This protection area, which is located in Chingaza National Park’s cushion zone, includes Peruvian woodland and páramo ecosystems, which are essential for millions of people’s water regulation. The protection of iconic species like the Andean Bear ( Tremarctos ornatus ), also known as the Spectacled Bear, is one of the main goals.
Through agreements with local residents, farmers reduce practices that harm ecosystems, such as animal farming, and improve the areas designated for the protection of the Peruvian jungle and páramo on their home. In trade, they receive greater financial gains through the conditioning of tourism. The foundation also conducts continuous research and group monitoring of the Peruvian carry population, using camera traps to learn their habits and movements in order to come up with effective conservation plans. Moreover, it implements a communication and education strategy to encourage coexistence with wildlife and involve local communities in the restoration process.
2. Darién: Protecting the Jaguar and Its Habitat
Fundación Wild Colombia supports efforts to increase communication and restoration in physiological corridors, which enable the presence of protected areas for jaguars and promote genetic diversity. To reduce human-jaguar conflict, the base engages in a project spearheaded by researchers and local farmers. It provides cameras traps and encourages the combination of community-based tourism initiatives centered on the Embera and Harpy Eagle indigenous communities.
3. Protectors of the Heart of the World: The Arhuacos of the Sierra Nevada
The Arhuacos have partnered with Aventure Colombia and Fundación Wild Colombia to guard the communities and social history of the Sierra Nevada, a spiritual place where they have for generations lived in harmony with nature. This task seeks to safeguard the Arhuacos ‘ spiritual sites, which are also ethically important, while preserving their culture’s profound ecological values. Also, Marianna’s PhD examined the role of the puma as a protector of natural balance in Arhuaco cosmology and discovered that this particular species is a significant cultural resource. In order to understand how natural imbalances result from animal attacks on cattle, Arhuaco rituals, led by religious leaders, help people reflect on their responsibility for these interactions and shift antiquated perceptions of coexistence. The base is studying how to use this strategy to manage difficult animals issues in different settings and aims to promote positive interaction between the Arhuaco people and the tiger.
4. San José del Guaviare: Bird Conservation in Laguna Negra and Surrounding Forests
Located at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, this region is of great ecological importance, especially known for its fauna. Communities in the village of Playa Guio organize events to look after the nearby rainforests, which are home to a wide range of wildlife species, many of which are native or endangered birds in the Laguna Negra flood zone.
The project aims to conserve critical habitats for aquatic species that are breeding and nesting. Important species ‘ nests are monitored to determine migratory patterns and establish conservation plans. Birdwatching is being conducted in this community as a sustainable tourism activity that is based on a birdwatching best practices guide, providing economic opportunities, and raising awareness of conservation benefits.
About Aventure Colombia
Through its non-profit arm, Fundación Wild Colombia, Aventure Colombia is making a significant impact on wildlife conservation across some of Colombia’s most critical ecosystems. Whether protecting the Andean bear in the páramos, safeguarding the jaguar in Darién, supporting the Arhuacos in the Sierra Nevada, or conserving birdlife in San José del Guaviare, these projects exemplify a holistic approach to conservation. By combining scientific research, community involvement, and sustainable tourism, Aventure Colombia and Fundación Wild Colombia are helping ensure that Colombia’s remarkable biodiversity is preserved for future generations.
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