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Fundación ProAves – por la conservación en el país de las aves

Category: Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

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Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación News Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias Colibrí del Sol Noticias El Paujil Noticias Las Tángaras Noticias Loro Coroniazul Noticias Loro Orejiamarillo Noticias Pauxi Pauxi Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Noticias Reservas Noticias Tití Cabeciblanco Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

This Arbor Day, We Reaffirm Our Commitment to Magnolia Conservation

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:

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Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación News Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Magnolia Project: A Vital Strategy to Save Colombia’s Most Threatened Tree Species

At ProAves, we’ve dedicated over 25 years to the conservation of Colombia’s most threatened species—protecting critical habitats and taking bold, tangible action to ensure their survival. As one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, Colombia is home to thousands of species found nowhere else in the world.

This Earth Day, we proudly reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and preserving the unique ecosystems that make Colombia a global conservation priority.

Among the natural treasures we work tirelessly to protect are Magnolias—an ancient lineage of trees and shrubs found across Asia and the Americas. Colombia alone is home to 42 Magnolia species, of which 36 are endemic. Sadly, many of these are at serious risk of extinction due to deforestation, climate change, and agricultural expansion. 

Beyond their striking beauty and valued timber, Magnolias play a vital ecological role: they capture carbon and help regulate the climate, support the water cycle, and provide essential habitat for a wide range of species. Their protection is not only about saving individual species—it’s about preserving the integrity and resilience of entire ecosystems.

Thanks to the generous support of Fondation Franklinia and the collaboration between ProAves and Women for Conservation, we are making great strides with the Magnolia Project—an initiative dedicated to the identification, monitoring, and restoration of Magnolia species within our Nature Reserves. To date, we’ve identified around 20 different Magnolia species, many of which are rare and endemic, underscoring the critical importance of protecting their habitats.

Through dedicated fieldwork, we’ve developed and implemented a comprehensive conservation strategy to safeguard Colombia’s Magnolia species. Our approach includes:

  • Identification and monitoring of Magnolia trees in the field.
  • Fruit collection and seed germination in specialised nurseries.
  • Planting of seedlings in strategic ecological restoration zones within our Nature Reserves.
  • Environmental education and community awareness programs focused on the ecological and cultural importance of Magnolias.

An essential component of this project is the work of our forest rangers, who, through their ongoing efforts, ensure the protection of these trees and their ecosystems.






“Working on the Magnolia Project at the Las Tángaras Reserve has been a truly special experience. We are helping to rescue trees that are on the brink of extinction. I’ve learned so much about germination, dealing with pests, planting, and nursery care. It fills me with joy to care for nature and to contribute, with my own hands, to the protection of a species that could otherwise disappear.” Fanis Mosquera, Forest Ranger and Nursery Leader, Magnolia Project

Several Magnolia species are currently in their reproductive phase, with fruits maturing and requiring close monitoring to ensure viable seed production and support natural regeneration. These efforts highlight ProAves’ steadfast commitment to the conservation of endangered species and the protection of the forests that sustain Colombia’s incredible biodiversity.

With every rescued seed, every monitored tree, and every trained forest guardian, we are sowing hope for Colombia’s Magnolias and for the future of its rich biodiversity. On this meaningful day, we call for united action to protect these vital species, which are essential to the health, balance, and resilience of the Andean forests.

Discover the Magnolia species documented in our ProAves Reserves at our microsite: Souls of the Forest → https://proaves.org/blog/proyecto-magnolias/

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Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación News Noticias El Paujil Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

We Relaunch Our “Women in Research and Science” Scholarship Program

The Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti) is one of Colombia’s most emblematic and critically endangered species, classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its populations are scarce and highly fragmented, making research that contributes to its conservation an urgent priority. 

In this context, and with the goal of continuing to strengthen the participation of women in science and conservation in our country, we are opening a new call for applications to our scholarship program, aimed at: 

Five (5) women who wish to conduct undergraduate or graduate research in the ecology of endemic and/or threatened species in the ProAves El Paujil Reserve.

One (1) of the scholarships must specifically focus on estimating the abundance and density of the Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti) within our Reserve.

One (1) of the scholarships must be focused on the diversity of herpetofauna in the Reserve.

The scholarship includes:

  • COP $3,000,000 for transportation and food
  • 50% of lodging costs at the ProAves El Paujil Reserve during the stay
  • Publication in the journal Conservación Colombiana

Location: ProAves El Paujil Reserve, Puerto Pinzón (district), municipality of Puerto Boyacá, Boyacá, Colombia

Selected candidates must:

  • Submit a report of the activities carried out to the ProAves Director of Research
  • Conduct community workshops related to the research topics
    Submit an article on the research conducted for publication in Conservación Colombiana

Requirements to apply:

  • Be a woman enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (to be verified by official documentation)
  • Conduct a research project focused on estimating the abundance and density of the Blue-billed Curassow at the ProAves El Paujil Reserve
  • If not currently enrolled in an academic program, applicants must submit a letter of intent explaining why they are a suitable candidate for the project and what research topic they would like to pursue. The letter should be sent to: acortes@proaves.org and lgmosquera@proaves.org
  • Applicants may also seek co-financing or additional support from other organizations if needed.

This call aims to encourage the active participation of women in science and conservation, offering a unique opportunity to carry out research projects in one of the most biodiverse areas of Colombia.

Applications will open on May 1, 2025, and will close as selected candidates are approved.

Applications must be submitted through the following form: https://forms.gle/eByPVekHa73nbDSNA

Opening date: May 1, 2025
Application deadline: June 13
Project socialization: June 19 and 20
Results announcement: June 27
Fieldwork: Minimum of 4 weeks (between July and August)
Article submission deadline: October 1
The article must be submitted following these guidelines: https://proaves.org/guia-para-autores/

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact:

Alex Cortés

acortes@proaves.org  aborrero@proaves.org 

Celular: 315 4745155

 Luis Gabriel Mosquera

lgmosquera@proaves.org 

Celular: 3105375059

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Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias Colibrí del Sol Noticias El Paujil Noticias Las Tángaras Noticias Loro Orejiamarillo Noticias Pauxi Pauxi Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

The Magnolia Project Advances in ProAves Reserves: Taking Action for the Conservation of These Species

In an effort to protect Colombia’s biological diversity, ProAves and Fondation Franklinia are making progress in the identification, monitoring, and restoration of 16 magnolia species across 13 of our Natural Reserves. This work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also strengthens conservation strategies for these unique and threatened trees.

Magnolias belong to the Magnoliaceae family, a primitive group of trees and shrubs with over 350 species distributed across Asia and the Americas. Colombia is home to 42 recorded species, making it the most magnolia-diverse country in the Neotropics. Of these, 36 species are endemic and urgently require protection measures.

Monitoring Progress and Key Findings

To date, our team of rangers and botanists has identified different magnolia species in reserves located in the Antioquia-Chocó and Santander-Boyacá regions.

In the ProAves Reserves Arrierito Antioqueño, Las Tángaras, Colibrí del Sol, and Loro Orejiamarillo, 165 magnolia trees have been documented, including new records expanding the known distribution of species such as M. coronata, M. chocoensis, M. espinalii, and M. lenticellata. Additionally, it has been confirmed that these areas host the largest recorded populations of M. coronata and M. urraoensis, a valuable contribution to their conservation.

In the El Paujil and Pauxi Pauxi reserves, magnolias of great ecological importance have also been identified. In El Paujil, six individuals of M. cespedesii were recorded, some in a reproductive state, along with other high-value species such as Dacryodes colombiana (EN) and Brownea santanderensis (CR). Meanwhile, in Pauxi Pauxi, one individual of M. resupinatifolia was recorded, alongside several threatened species, highlighting the importance of preserving these habitats.

Training and Restoration: Planting Hope

As part of this project, rangers have received training in species identification, seed management, and nursery practices, achieving:

  • Collection of 107 fruits containing 251 seeds
  • Monitoring of 20 developing fruits
  • Rescue of 13 seedlings, with 8 actively growing
  • Germination of 214 individuals of M. urraoensis, 16 of M. lenticellata, and 19 of M. espinalii

In Pauxi Pauxi, pilot plantations with endangered species have been carried out, marking an initial step in restoring these ecosystems.

Additionally, progress is being made in the development of six nurseries, managed by Women for Conservation, a key partner organization, to facilitate magnolia reproduction.

Seeds of Hope for Magnolia Conservation

Magnolias in the ProAves Reserves are currently in a reproductive phase, with maturing fruits requiring constant monitoring to ensure the production of viable seeds and their natural regeneration. These efforts reflect ProAves’ commitment to conserving endangered species and protecting the forests that sustain wildlife.

With each rescued seed, each monitored tree, and each trained ranger, we continue to plant hope for magnolias and Colombia’s biodiversity.

Thanks to the support of:

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Articles News Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Honoring Sara Lara A Transformative Leader in Conservation






After six years of visionary leadership, Sara Lara is stepping down as the Executive Director of ProAves, leaving behind a lasting legacy in biodiversity conservation throughout Colombia.
During her tenure, she achieved remarkable milestones, including the expansion of protected areas and the empowerment of women in conservation. Her efforts have not only reshaped the foundation’s future but also strengthened its overall impact.

Under Sara’s leadership, ProAves reached significant conservation milestones, including the establishment of two Regional Natural Parks and the expansion of protected areas. She enhanced conservation programs, protected endangered species, advanced research efforts, promoted ecological restoration, and deepened environmental education initiatives. Her work fostered essential partnerships for long-term biodiversity protection while also advocating for women’s empowerment in conservation efforts.

Her commitment has transcended national borders, advocating for conservation efforts that protect some of the world’s most threatened birds, amphibians, and mammals.

Although Sara is transitioning from her current role, she will continue to support ProAves in an advisory capacity. This will allow her expertise, strategic vision, and global network to remain valuable assets to our mission. Additionally, she will resume her leadership at Women for Conservation, the sister organization she founded to empower and uplift women conservationists throughout the Global South.

On behalf of the entire ProAves team, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Sara Lara for her tireless dedication, unwavering passion, and transformative leadership. Her efforts have not only strengthened ProAves but have also inspired a new generation of conservationists—both girls and women—to recognize their vital role in protecting nature and biodiversity.

Thank you, Sara, for your invaluable leadership. We hope your legacy continues to inspire conservation efforts for generations to come!

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Conservacion Investigación News Noticias El Paujil Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Women Scientists Complete Research Projects for the Conservation of Crax alberti and Primates in Our ProAves El Paujil Reserve

At ProAves, alongside Women for Conservation, we carried out the second edition of our Women in Research and Science Scholarships program, an initiative designed to promote women’s participation in the generation of scientific knowledge.
After a rigorous selection process, we chose three researchers to develop their projects in our ProAves El Paujil Reserve, located in the Puerto Pinzón district, in Puerto Boyacá, Boyacá. Over several months, they dedicated themselves to exploring, analyzing, and documenting three threatened species: the Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti), the Brown Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus), and the White-fronted Capuchin (Cebus albifrons versicolor).

Investigating the Habitat of the Blue-billed Curassow: Foundations for Its Protection



Laura Sofía García Monroy, a Biology student at Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, focused her research on understanding the habitat use of the Blue-billed Curassow, a critically endangered species endemic to Colombia. This bird, restricted to dry and humid Andean forests, is a key indicator of ecosystem health and plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and biological control.




Her research results revealed that the Blue-billed Curassow primarily uses secondary vegetation habitats as feeding areas, demonstrating its ability to adapt to altered landscapes. This pattern highlights the importance of fragmented areas and the need for conservation strategies that prioritize habitat connectivity and the restoration of degraded areas. Additionally, the observed reproductive behavior reinforces the importance of the nature reserve as a refuge for this endangered species.

Conserving the Brown Spider Monkey and the White-fronted Capuchin





Dalia Katiana Arias Macedo, a Biology student at the National University of Colombia, and Dahiana García Vargas, an Environmental Engineering student at Fundación Universitaria de San Gil, focused their research on the Brown Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus), a species essential for seed dispersal in tropical forests that faces serious threats such as deforestation and hunting.

Dalia also studied the White-fronted Capuchin (Cebus albifrons versicolor) and analyzed the population density of both primates in the ProAves El Paujil Reserve using direct observation methods and line transects.

These two researchers found that the Reserve harbors a high density of these species: 16 individuals of Brown Spider Monkey and 51 of White-fronted Capuchin per square kilometer. Their findings highlight the Reserve as a key refuge for these species and reinforce the need to protect their habitats to ensure their conservation.



They also recorded 24 sightings of Brown Spider Monkeys and determined that there are 5.50 groups per square kilometer, with a detection probability of 61.74%. Their results reflect a moderate population and a good sighting rate, emphasizing the importance of continuing conservation efforts for this endangered species.




Both studies reaffirm the importance of the ProAves El Paujil Reserve as a conservation area for these primates and other at-risk species..

Community Impact

In addition to their research, the women carried out community activities in Puerto Pinzón, sharing information about the studied species with local residents and students. These activities included visits to our Reserve, where children learned about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it.

With this second edition of the program, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women in science and celebrate the positive impact these research projects have on the conservation of species such as the Blue-billed Curassow, the Brown Spider Monkey, and the White-fronted Capuchin. These initiatives strengthen female leadership and significantly contribute to biodiversity protection.

With the support of:

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Conservacion News Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Learn the inspiring story of Sara Lara and Isabella Cortes at TEDx Vail

On January 19th, our Executive Director, Sara Inés Lara, participated in the TEDx event with her inspiring talk titled “The Embrace of Nature: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment.” Sara, a distinguished Colombian conservationist and advocate for women’s rights in the environmental field, shared her personal story of resilience, healing, and connection with nature, showing how the natural environment can be a powerful source of empowerment and overcoming challenges. ?✨

“In the peaceful embrace of the forests, rivers, and birds, I found the strength to reclaim my voice and rebuild my sense of identity. This story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound role nature can play in healing and empowerment.”

Additionally, Isabella Cortés Lara, Sara’s daughter, gave a talk titled “The Canvas of Nature: Painting a Future with Art and Advocacy for Rights,” where she explored how art can be a tool for activism, awareness, and inspiration to protect biodiversity and the rights of the most vulnerable communities.

Thank you to everyone who was part of this meaningful event and to those who attended the Watch Party at Old Bust Head Brewing Co. in the DC Area! Your support and participation helped bring this transformative message to more people.

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News Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Sara Inés Lara recognized at L’Oréal-UNESCO’s For Women in Science festival

With the conviction that the world needs science and science needs women, the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO held the first edition of the #ForWomenInScience festival, where they invited 40 brilliant female researchers from different parts of the world, including our executive director, Sara Inés Lara. These innovators were part of last Tuesday’s virtual event, sharing their inspiring stories about how they are changing the world through their love for science, research and the environment.

Thanks to her hard work, resilience, and incredible passion, Sara has managed to bridge the gender gaps in the conservation sector and has become an example for future generations. Under her leadership, ProAves and Women for Conservation have empowered rural women in the buffer zones of the Foundation’s Nature Reserves to become guardians of conservation, and undertake the important challenge of protecting the environment and its species.

“The planet is being devastated, and the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems are in great danger of disappearing. Today, more than ever, nature needs women. Our ability to manage and protect natural resources is a solution that has yet to be discovered. This is why it is time for women to raise their voices and be heard,” says Sara.

Despite the immense obstacles and disparities that women face daily in the protection of nature, their strength and determination have increasingly made them the voice of hope for conservation.

We thank the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO for highlighting the admirable work of women in science, and working towards a more inclusive future.

  • The Fundación ProAves is committed to women in conservation, learn more about our project here.
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News Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Building an inclusive future for women in conservation

Women play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development of communities, which is why it’s essential that their work in the protection of natural resources is recognized and that they participate in decision-making.

The election of the new president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak not only inspires thousands of women to continue fighting for the conservation of nature, but also shows that it’s critical to have the full participation of women for the protection of ecosystems, biological diversity and natural resources.

In addition, during the 2021 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France, a motion was approved to strengthen the role of women in conservation and promote their empowerment in the sector.

This is great news for women conservationists who, despite facing great barriers in protecting the environment, continue protecting and taking care of the most valuable treasure, biodiversity.

Isabella Cortes, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak y Sara Inés Lara
Maud Lelièvre y Sara Inés Lara
Sara Inés Lara, Directora ejecutiva de la Fundación ProAves
Isabella Cortes y Sara Inés Lara
Isabella Cortes y Patricia Zurita, Directora General Birdlife Internacional

The Fundación ProAves and Women For Conservation continue to work together for the empowerment of women in the beautiful world of conservation. Together for #Conservation!

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News Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Children and Youth, the Future of Conservation

In order for the community to learn more about the species and the great diversity that inhabits its municipality, Fundación ProAves, under the auspices of Women for Conservation and the support of the Environment area of the Mayor’s Office of Mapiripán, created the “Mapiripán Bird Workshop” with children, youth and adults who live near the El Jaguar ProAves Reserve.

During the activities carried out in the municipal seat of the municipality of Mapiripán, department of Meta, the members of the Bird Group were able to see different species of birds in their natural state, and they learned to identify them and the importance they have for the ecosystems. Thanks to the guides and binoculars provided by the environmental authority CORMACARENA, the participants were able to closely observe the birds in all their beautiful detail: their beaks, colors, legs, plumage and unique behaviors. 

In one of the field trips, which coincided with the first assembly of the National Youth Environment Network Nodo Mapiripán, several teens from the Group of Birds in training were selected as leaders of the process. At the end of the event, 20 native trees were donated to the forest of the Jorge Eliécer Gaitán de Mapiripán Educational Institution, which thrive in the El Jaguar ProAves Reserve, thanks to the conservation work carried out by Reserve Ranger Daniel Villar.

Work with the communities

For ProAves it is essential to work hand in hand with local communities so they understand the importance of living in harmony with nature, value the biodiversity of their regions, and take action for conservation.

To this end, ProAves has created ecological groups called “Amigos de las Aves” (Friends of the Birds) in various regions of the country, especially where the Foundation maintains Protected Areas. These groups, made up of both children and adults, promote a key cultural transformation. The goal is to instill a deep respect and commitment to protect the environments where group members live. Through education and community involvement, ProAves hopes to ignite a lifelong passion for the natural world and inspire a generation of conservationists.

We appreciate the great support of Permian Global and Women for Conservation

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News Noticias Noticias Águila Harpía Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Ninfa, Winner of the International Ranger Award

With great pride we congratulate Ninfa Carianil Damaso, first female forest ranger of Fundación ProAves for being one of the winners of the important International Park Rangers Award of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). This prestigious award was developed in collaboration with the International Federation of Rangers, Global Wildlife Conservation and Conservation Allies.

This great environmental recognition, announced today by Julia Miranda, Deputy President of WCPA, highlights the extraordinary work that Ninfa does for the environment and the work of many female fighters who, despite adversity, are on the front line day after day to protect nature and animals.

ProAves is grateful to have Ninfa on the conservation team, as she acts as an example for thousands of women who seek to take care of our country’s wildlife. Therefore, the best way to honor this great recognition is by making visible the leading role that women have in conservation and praising their great work in preserving the most valuable treasure we have on the planet, the environment and its species.

“Ninfa has proven to be an example of resilience and courage. Through her hard work and love of conservation, she has become a role model for many young women. We are proud to be able to empower women in conservation”, says Sara Lara, Director of the Fundación ProAves. She adds that “women are strength, passion and energy, that is why it is very important that we continue to contribute from all areas to the protection of biodiversity and that our voice be heard.”

ProAves is committed to gender empowerment in the protection of biodiversity, and more than 60% of its staff is women.

NINFA, A VOICE OF STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE

Since arriving at the Águila Arpía ProAves Reserve in 2012, Ninfa and her husband, José Rufino Mora, have become the protectors of the 2,596 hectares of vast rainforest on the south bank of the Guaviare River. They worked hard to establish strong ties with the community and protect the area.

The reserve, located in the northern buffer area of the Nukak Natural Reserve -one of the last strips of unprotected tropical forest in the Colombian Amazon- is made up of properties bought from settlers eager to deforest the area, but thanks to the efforts of Ninfa and her husband, it was possible to recover the ecosystem that had been degraded.

 Ninfa’s life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when her 10-year-old son, Johan Sebastián, drowned in the Guaviare River in front of the reserve cabin. Heartbroken, Ninfa and her husband buried him in the reserve, where he loved to be. Then, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, her husband Rufino was unable to obtain medication due to the remote location of the reserve, and tragically he died in May 2020.

Despite the unfortunate events, Ninfa has moved on and is an example of improvement. Since then, she undertook the beautiful challenge of being the Foundation’s first female forest ranger, a task that she has carried out with great commitment and professionalism, fulfilling all the responsibilities entrusted to her to protect tropical forests from the constant threats of hunters, loggers and settlers seeking to establish settlements in this area.

Ninfa has shown, with great courage and fervor, to be the protector of the remote and highly threatened rainforest, located in the heart of the Colombian Amazon. She carries out daily surveillance of river and land boundaries (monitoring of bird species), general maintenance of the reserve facilities, works as a community and outreach leader, maintains border roads and a tree nursery for reforestation.

Her example of determination, strength and commitment to protect nature in the face of great adversity has positioned her as an inspiration for the women of Colombia, especially because of her humble origins and the impact that the armed conflict had on her life. Although only in her early 30s, Ninfa, a woman of indigenous descent, is becoming a strong voice for women and a local leader in the community.

Ninfa is very proactive, which is why she has also assisted with research in the reserve and with species monitoring, such as deploying camera traps and conducting bird censuses with the eBird app, in which her 10-year-old son, Darwin, joins her. Together they have motivated children from the local community to get involved with conservation and have even formed a group of young bird watchers in this remote location.

  • Read the full IUCN and WCPA article on the winners of the International Ranger Award here.

TOGETHER FOR CONSERVATION

Thanks to the support of Permian Global, who has supported conservation processes in the area for almost a decade, and Women For Conservation have been able to train and empower Ninfa in her role as a forest ranger.

We also thank IUCN, WCPA,  International Ranger Federation, Global Wildlife Conservation and Conservation Allies for this extraordinary recognition.