Conservation and sustainable management of the Andes forest

The objective of this project is to design and implement a management plan for 1,565 ha of Andian forest at an altitude between 2,200 and 2,900 m. in Santander (Cordillera Oriental). This type of forest is under heavy pressure, with the main threats being the loss of biodiversity because of agricultural exploitation (slash and burning), indiscriminate hunting, pollution of water because of agro-chemicals. The NGO is enjoying good support locally, and besides the management plan, work will be done in the field of awareness raising and lobby of the local authorities, all with the aim to conserve this forest.

The project has been successfully implemented. The environmental status of the rainforest has been mapped, and priority areas for conservation defined. Proposals for adequate management of natural resources by the community are being implemented, e.g. regarding prevention of hunting, wood extraction, and burning practices. A cultural community centre has become operational, and local farmers have created a ‘Farmer’s school of Agro-Ecology’, with peasant associations from the region involved. Women have managed to diversify their sources of income, and increasingly exchange information and experiences with other associations. Educational workshops have been organised, and information material for different media has been developed and disseminated. It has been possible to secure support from regional and national institutions.