The restoration project in strategic areas of San Pedro de la Sierra, a district of Ciénaga Magdalena, has far exceeded expectations in its first phase of implementation (2021-2024).
So far, the project, which began in 2021, has achieved an exceptional milestone by planting more than 7,500 trees in the Guandusaca and Palmichal micro-watersheds, tributaries of the Frío River. This tireless effort has resulted in the restoration of 67 hectares of vital importance to our natural environment. Additionally, thanks to voluntary conservation agreements, 105 hectares were added and will remain in passive restoration, further expanding our positive impact.
This remarkable initiative has been made possible thanks to the partnership between WWF, Uniban Foundation, Asocoomag, and Fundeban, and has benefited from the active collaboration of our valued allies, such as the Magdalena Coffee Growers Committee, National Natural Parks, Corpamag, and technical experts.
Dora Milena Zapata, Intersectoral Governance and Planning Specialist at WWF Colombia and leader of the initiative, highlights: “The ecological restoration project in San Pedro de la Sierra is an inspiring example of successful projects born from cooperation among members of the Water Stewardship Platform (PCA).”
Within the framework of this project, we have contributed to the creation of the “Los Nogales” community nursery, led by the Mujeres Rurales Construyendo Futuro Foundation, with the tireless support of Corporación Paisajes Rurales, the entity in charge of its implementation. This nursery has become a beacon of hope by strengthening the skills of local women in species propagation, fruit and seed management, and the conditions necessary for germination and care of growing plants, among other key aspects.
The nursery has focused on the propagation of more than 20 species native to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and has successfully produced more than 7,000 trees, which the project subsequently acquired for planting in priority restoration areas. This initiative not only restores our ecosystems but also actively promotes the participation of local communities in ecological restoration and generates sustainable employment in the region.
