From the chiva, a traditional means of transportation in Colombia known for its unique designs, vibrant colors, and ability to navigate challenging terrain, it became possible to bring the message of conservation to the most remote locations. “RanaChiva” was the name given to this environmental education initiative that visited urban and rural areas to teach about the conservation of three endangered species: the Santander Poison Frog (Hyloscirtus lynchi), the Colombian Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris) , and the Colombian Oak (Quercus humboldtii).
The audiovisual project “Traveling the Paths of Conservation” is the result of months of work and filming in various regions, including Suratá, Santander, a place renowned for its rich biodiversity and valuable cultural heritage. This production, made possible through the collaboration between ProAves Colombia and The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, highlights the efforts to protect species like the Lynch’s Frog and the Colombian Mountain Grackle while showcasing the real impact of environmental education on local communities.
Over the past two years, the RanaChiva visited 94 educational institutions and reached over 27,000 people, delivering environmental education to children and youth, especially in remote areas. For Adonaldo Quintero, the chiva driver, and David Rodríguez, Environmental Educator, every journey was an unforgettable experience.
“As the driver of the RanaChiva, I’ve faced some challenging experiences. To reach our destinations, we had to navigate extremely difficult roads, especially since the chiva is a large vehicle and the rural roads are narrow and poorly maintained. The most rewarding part, however, is when we arrive at distant communities and schools where the children welcome us with such enthusiasm to learn about conservation. Seeing their joy and knowing we are spreading the message of caring for nature is a unique experience,” says Adonaldo Quintero.
“What I’ve loved most about the RanaChiva is the joy in the children’s hearts—that stays with you forever. As an educator, it fills your heart with their joy, their smiles, their spontaneity, the questions they ask, the surprises, their expressions, laughter, and even their phrases. For example, a little girl once asked me, ‘Teacher, do you know what hummingbirds eat?’ Her answer was, ‘The sweetness of the flowers.’ These phrases remain with you as the poetry of children, their way of seeing the world, and what the RanaChiva allows them to express during its visits,” shares David Rodríguez, Environmental Educator.
This mobile classroom continues its mission of raising awareness, just as the LoroBus did in previous years, an initiative that educated communities about the conservation of the Yellow-eared Parrot and the Wax Palm. Today, the RanaChiva evolves into the ReinitaChiva, focusing on the protection of migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers seeking refuge and food during winter. This transformation underscores the continuity of ProAves’ conservation work across the country.
Through the documentary “Traveling the Paths of Conservation”, ProAves aims to inspire more people to join the efforts to protect the species and ecosystems that make up Colombia’s rich biodiversity.
Together for conservation in the land of birds!
