In an important step towards biodiversity conservation, ProAves and the Magdalena Regional Autonomous Corporation (CORPAMAG) signed an inter-institutional agreement that seeks to carry out conservation and restoration actions on the San Lorenzo ridge, in the Santa Marta District, to protect prioritised species in the Department of Magdalena.
The signing of this agreement took place at the Corporation’s headquarters, with the presence of Sara Inés Lara, Executive Director of ProAves and the General Director of CORPAMAG, Alfredo Martínez Gutiérrez.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration that will allow the execution of specific projects aimed at protecting critical habitats and preserving biodiversity. The region faces various threats due to the loss of its natural environment and human activities. Through this alliance, we hope to implement ecological restoration and community awareness strategies, involving local communities in the defense of their natural heritage.
One of the main focuses of the agreement is the protection of the remaining habitats on the upper part of the San Lorenzo ridge, in the ProAves El Dorado Reserve, a vital area for biodiversity that protects more than a thousand hectares of forest in an excellent state of conservation. There, reforestation campaigns, eradication of invasive species and conservation programs focused on the protection of species such as the Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata) and various species of endemic amphibians, such as the Magdalena giant glass frog (Ikakogi tayrona).
The agreement also includes a research component to measure the impact of conservation actions and monitor birdlife and its population growth. This effort will allow the effectiveness of the implemented strategies to be evaluated and contribute to scientific knowledge of the species that are inhabiting the region’s ecosystems.
“This agreement marks a very important point for the protection and conservation of biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. With this collaboration, we will advance in the protection of habitats that are in danger of extinction and the species that inhabit them. We are working closely together to implement conservation, research and environmental education strategies. That will allow us to have quick and concrete results that would benefit local communities and biodiversity,” said Sara Inés Lara, Executive Director of ProAves during the signing of the document.
On its behalf, the Autonomous Corporation of Magdalena highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration as a key tool to address the environmental challenges affecting the region.
“With the signing of this agreement, we will have an opportunity to continue strengthening the protection and conservation of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. We are joining forces to allow us to have planning instruments that, through regulations, guarantee the use of protection and conservation of these important areas. Areas such as the El Dorado Reserve, which is of great interest from an ecosystemic point of view. As well with this agreement working hand in hand with the communities. Taking into account the great experience that ProAves already has in the territory” said Alfredo Martínez Gutiérrez, General Director of CORPAMAG.
This agreement is a reflection of the commitment of both parties to promote sustainable development and guarantee the health of the ecosystems that sustain life in Magdalena. With this joint effort, ProAves and the Magdalena Autonomous Corporation hope not only to protect local biodiversity but also to foster a culture of perpetual conservation with the communities of the region.
