Every April 29th, Colombia commemorates Arbor Day, a moment to reflect on the vital role forests play in our ecological, cultural, and climatic well-being. Forests are not only the lungs of the planet but also guardians of biodiversity and our collective local heritage. Yet, according to the Humboldt Institute, 45% of Colombia’s endemic trees and shrubs are currently at risk of extinction. Protecting them is no longer optional, it’s essential for safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the resilience of future generations.
At Fundación ProAves, we mark this day by celebrating the tireless efforts of our forest rangers, who work daily to protect one of Colombia’s most threatened plant groups: the Magnolias. Our country is home to 42 Magnolia species, many of which are endemic and critically endangered. Their survival depends on continued conservation, restoration and awareness.
Through our Magnolia Project, in collaboration with Fondation Franklinia and Women for Conservation, we work on the identification, monitoring and restoration of these species in our Nature Reserves with the goal of ensuring their survival in their natural habitat.
Through this project, we implement a range of strategies to protect these “souls of the forest”, including monitoring sessions, identification of individual trees, seed collection, nursery propagation, planting in strategic restoration zones and environmental education activities with local communities. Each action brings us closer to securing a future where Magnolias continue to thrive in Colombia’s forests.
From a research perspective, this work has been crucial in highlighting both the remarkable richness of Magnolia species and the serious threats they face in Colombia. Ongoing restoration and reforestation efforts have not only helped regenerate key habitats but also led to the documentation of several Magnolia species across different regions. These efforts have generated valuable data on their distribution and conservation status within our network of Nature Reserves, information that is essential for guiding future protection strategies.
Discover the Magnolias recorded in our Reserves:
In addition to Magnolias, our Nature Reserves shelter many other threatened tree species, which we protect every day with unwavering commitment and care. At Fundación ProAves, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the comprehensive conservation of Colombia’s forests, recognising that every single tree is a vital thread in the web of life.
This Arbor Day, we renew our commitment to biodiversity and redouble our efforts to defend the forest ecosystems that sustain thousands of species and the future of our planet.
With the support of:
