Safeguarding Colombia’s natural treasures and empowering communities
Alona Mikhova
September 29, 2023
Project Updates
Back in 2018, FORLIANCE joined forces with four Colombian organizations to compete for an international tender. Winning the Zukunft-Umwelt-Gesellschaft (ZUG) project of the Bundesumweltministerium (BMU) was the spark that ignited our passion for preserving Colombia’s breathtaking ecosystems and enhancing the well-being of its people. The challenge was clear: create a project that not only conserves Colombia’s pristine natural wonders but also uplifts local communities. Alongside our partners, Fundación Patrimonio Natural, ICCO Conexion, INVEMAR, and IIAP, we are dedicated to implementing a project that focuses on preserving mangroves, seagrasses, and tropical rainforests while empowering the communities that call these places home.
Our nature-based project’s vision
Our project, titled „Sustainable and Resilient Management of Colombia’s Vital Ecosystems in the Pacific and Caribbean Regions,“ is a heartfelt endeavor aimed at fostering the sustainable management and conservation of critical ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, dry forests, and tropical rainforests. At its core, our mission is to empower local communities by helping them establish their own economic ventures and initiatives. We achieve this by introducing economic incentives and strategic approaches that encourage the development of sustainable enterprises, utilizing the rich resources of their surroundings.
Project locations
- Islands of the Caribbean: Our efforts are dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystems of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina.
- Continental Caribbean: We’re committed to conserving the tropical dry forests in the Montes de María region.
- The Pacific: Our project extends to the Tribugá-Cupica-Baudó Pacific Biosphere Reserve.
Our strategy
Our approach revolves around strengthening territorial governance and building alliances among various stakeholders. Through this, we aim to create a long-lasting ripple effect, promoting integrated ecosystem management and nurturing community-driven entrepreneurial initiatives in the green business sector.
Technical components
- Ecosystem Restoration: We’re dedicated to the restoration and preservation of these ecosystems, ensuring their long-term health and vitality.
- Enhancing Value Chains: In partnership with INVEMAR, FORLIANCE is crafting circular economy models for the organic and plastics value chains of San Andrés Islands, promoting environmental sustainability and a circular economy approach.
- Knowledge Management: FORLIANCE is actively developing a comprehensive monitoring platform to offer crucial data and insights through satellite imagery from our project’s areas.
The path ahead
We are incredibly honored and motivated to have won this tender and be able ot bring this project to life. As we eagerly prepare to officially sign the grant agreement with the BMU ZUG Ministry of Environment of Germany at the end of September 2023, FORLIANCE and our partners stand on the cusp of an extraordinary journey. The project’s official start date on January 15, 2024, will mark the commencement of a five-year commitment that we believe will leave a profound and lasting impact on the environment and the communities that depend on it.
A collective journey
Together with our esteemed partners and with the support of the global community, we hold a deep sense of conviction. We are confident that we can make a substantial contribution to the conservation and sustainable management of these invaluable ecosystems, enriching the lives of the communities intertwined with them. Our journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future.
Bring your own nature based solution to life
Do you share our passion for nature-based solutions and ecosystem protection? Are you inspired to develop your own nature-based project or integrate our robust climate action initiatives into your corporate climate strategy? Let’s connect! We are experienced ecosystem protection and restoration project developers. From afforestation to improved forest management to mangroves and blue carbon, we are your partner in turning your vision into real and transparent climate action. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our planet and its communities. Contact us today.
