The local context
Nariño is located in the very south of Colombia, on the border with Ecuador. The department is unique in that it has an Amazonian slope, an area of very high altitude (around 5,000 m) and a Pacific coastline. It is a strategic region for restoring ecological continuity between the Amazon and the Pacific, which in local indigenous cosmovision is known as «the path of the Jaguar and the Tapir». The high-altitude ecosystems of the Colombian cordillera are also home to a large number of rare and/or endemic species (plant and animal), many of which are threatened with extinction.
Project objectives
Restore degraded forest areas with native tree species adapted to natural habitats, encourage women's associations
Issues
The Alto-Andean forests (at altitudes of between 2,500 and 3,500 metres) have been heavily deforested. In addition, exotic species such as Eucalyptus and Pine have been planted on a massive scale, with a negative impact on habitats and species. Today, it is a priority to replant native and adapted species, especially as these forest areas are the last bastions before the «páramos», peaty ecosystems at very high altitudes that supply almost all of Colombia's drinking water. In addition, the páramos of the eastern cordillera feed the Amazon water basin and are sources of major tributaries of the Amazon river (e.g. Rio Putumayo).
Unparalleled biodiversity
Colombia is the most biodiverse country in the world. In ornithology, for example, more than 2,000 species of bird have been recorded in the country, representing almost 18.2% of the world's recognised species - a world record! Despite their very high altitudes, the Nariño páramos are no exception to the rule, boasting an incredibly high level of diversity given the extreme conditions of these habitats. These include a host of hummingbirds adapted to these high-altitude peat bogs, such as Derby's Erione, Emerald Metallure and Small-billed Hummingbird.
Already completed
More than 114,000 trees planted thanks to funding from the Maisons du Monde Foundation, particularly in strategic locations such as the headwaters of catchment basins in order to restore/maintain drinking water sources.