Colombia adds 337 hectares for conservation with the creation of five new Private Natural Reserves in Bolívar, Casanare, and Antioquia. These protected areas, part of the Conserva Aves Initiative, safeguard key habitats for threatened bird species, reinforcing the country’s environmental commitment toward 2030.
Herencia Ambiental
Colombia, the country with the greatest bird diversity in the world, celebrates a new milestone in the conservation of its natural heritage. Under the framework of the Conserva Aves Colombia Initiative, five new Private Natural Reserves (RNSC) have been officially registered, totaling 337.89 hectares of strategic ecosystems for the protection of threatened, endemic, and migratory bird species.
This achievement reinforces the national commitment to conserve 34% of Colombia’s territory by 2030, and recognizes the work of communities and families who voluntarily dedicate their lands to conservation.
New Reserves, New Protected Territories
The newly registered reserves are distributed across three key regions:
– San Jacinto, Bolívar: RNSC La Pava (28.41 ha), RNSC Nueva Esperanza (22.41 ha), and RNSC Buenavista (28.41 ha). These reserves protect fragments of tropical dry forest, a highly threatened ecosystem, and provide habitats for species such as the Congona Guan (Penelope purpurascens), the Golden-winged Sparrow (Arremon schlegeli), and the White-headed Titi Monkey. They receive technical support from the Fundación Herencia Ambiental Caribe.
– Cravo Sur, Casanare: RNSC El Triunfo (200 ha), a reserve promoted by the Fundación Palmarito Casanare. This reserve protects Orinoco savannas and is home to species such as the Military Macaw (Ara militaris) and the Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis).
– Jardín, Antioquia: RNSC Los Colibríes (58.66 ha). Located in the Andean forest, this reserve of the Fundación Bioconservancy protects endemic and endangered species such as the Antioquia Inca (Coeligena orina) and the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis).
A Collective Commitment to Biodiversity
Private Natural Reserves (RNSC) are the only form of private conservation recognized within Colombia’s National System of Protected Areas (SINAP). Through their formal registration with Colombia’s National Natural Parks, landowners gain legal recognition, technical support, and incentives to continue their conservation work.
This progress is the result of coordinated efforts among families, local communities, and allied organizations, demonstrating that biodiversity conservation is also possible through citizen-led initiatives.
About the Conserva Aves Initiative
The Conserva Aves Initiative aims to expand and strengthen the network of protected areas in Latin America for the conservation of birds and their habitats, particularly in key regions for migratory species. In Colombia, the initiative is led by American Bird Conservancy, Audubon Americas, BirdLife Americas, and RedLAC, with Fondo Acción and the Asociación Calidris as national partners. The latter leads the implementation of the initiative in the country, with support from the Bezos Earth Fund.