The conservation project is implemented in the buffer area of the Galilea Regional Natural Park. Its strategy consists in developing a habitat bank for ecological connectivity that favors the protection of the last remnants of primary forest in the eastern side of the department of Tolima.
The context
The Tolima Habitat Bank is part of a regional strategy to promote the conservation of the Andean forest and foster ecological connectivity for the improvement of ecosystem services and the protection of the great biodiversity that exists in the project area. In this sense, the Habitat Bank represents an opportunity to grant the financial sustainability of conservation actions in the territory.
The project
The project aims to implement the following actions for the conservation and protection of ecosystems that are home to emblematic species such as the little red brocket (Mazama rufina) and the Magnolia caricaefragrans. Additionally, the project area is part of an ecological corridor for species such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the jaguar (Panthera onca):
- Conservation activities will be developed in alignment with the different environmental programs and plans established for the area by the national government and the environmental authorities.
- Ecosystem services in the area will be improved.
- The institutional support by the University of Tolima will bring benefits such as the improvement of conservation processes as a result of the applied research
Sustainable activities to be implemented
The Tolima Habitat Bank will establish conservation actions in 456 hectares, of which:
- 245 ha will be destined to activities for the preservation of forest remnants, areas offering water ecosystem services and areas of cultural interest.
- 117 ha will be used for ecological restoration activities to ensure connectivity 95 ha will be dedicated to sustainable land use, promoting sustainable production among the communities around the project area.
The benefits
Benefits for communities:
- Governance improvement in the territory and the development of sustainable use processes aligned with the REDD+ project currently being implemented are some of the community benefits. This project has also carried out beekeeping activities and a forest ranger program.
- Contribution to national peace-building initiatives and reduction of social conflicts.
- Job creation.
Benefits for nature:
- Ecological connectivity at the landscape level for obtaining gains in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Protection of the last remnants of cloud forest in the buffer zone of the project area.
- Improvement of the health of the ecosystem.
