Analysis of Effectiveness Report for Protected Areas proposes concrete actions

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1 March 2006 No. 1 Analysis of Effectiveness Report for Protected Areas proposes concrete actions with the intention of supporting the Colombian National Parks System (PNN) in the planning, carrying out, verification of the objectives fulfilment, effects and impacts, under the approach of social participation in conservation, WWF Colombia and the PNN designed a research methodology entitled Effectiveness Analysis for the Management of Protected Areas with Social Participation. This useful manual, developed with the aid of WWF s global network, the World Bank, The Embassy of the Netherlands and DFID is go to 10 f undación Omacha was founded in 1987 to study, research and conserve flora and fauna in aquatic ecosystems in Colombia. Omacha actually means pink river dolphin in Ticuna, the language of an indigenous community living in the Amazon basin. By means of concerted efforts among researchers and local communities, this conservation organisation has managed to develop strategies to protect natural resources In 2006 The Colombian National Parks Authority (PNN) and the WWF will work on the second phase of the task Shedding light on aquatic resources ranging from the Caribbean to the Orinoco and Amazon river basins. Fundación Omacha works in areas inhabited by important species such as the pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). Both species face serious threats to their survival, such as the impact of fisheries, construction of dams and waterways as well as petroleum pollution. Fundación Omacha s work is based on these problems and, in tackling go to 4 WWF Colombia / María Ximena GALEANO Content Strategy for the Conservation of High Andean Wetlands Colombia Approves the Stockholm Convention Colombian Environmental Legislation Online Afro-Colombian Communities in Spain, Respecting their Natural and Cultural Richness Efforts for Conservation in the Eastern Cordillera Range Awa Indigenous Organisation in Search of a Dream PacificTerritories Together in Mangrove Management Indigenous Forestry Management Plan Peasant Development Association - A Bet for Rural Conservation The publications Our agenda 1

2 Strategy for the Conservation of High Andean Wetlands within the framework of the ninth meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Internationally Important Wetlands (Kampala, Uganda 2005), the Regional Strategy for the Conservation of High Andean Wetlands received important recognition on behalf of the Convention. This type of ecosystem is represented in eight signatory countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Perú, Ecuador and Costa Rica). The strategy was designed and published with the help of the Danone Group, WWF s global network, the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and DFID. Prior to this, the strategy had been supported at the Meeting of the Andean Council of Ministers and Environmental and Sustainable Development Authorities, which was held in Caracas in October This strategy is an opportunity to protect the high mountain wetlands which are not adequately represented in the Convention, and which provide water that benefits close to one hundred million inhabitants in the Northern Andes, explained Ximena Barrera, Environmental Policy Coordinator of WWF Colombia. Currently, within the framework of the initiative a project is A Regional Opportunity being implemented in the four Northern Andean countries (Perú, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador), with the support of WWF International and the Danone Group. The aim of the project is to advance the definition of conservation categories of the high Andean wetlands. Some of the priority areas where the project is being implemented are the Otún Lake in the Central Cordillera of Colombia and the Arrebiatadas Lakes in the north of Perú. Both sites are strategic in providing water to their surrounding areas and have a great importance in biodiversity conservation, explained Luis German Naranjo, Northern Andes Ecoregion Coordinator of WWF. Ximena Barrera, Environmental Policy Coordinator: xbarrera@wwf.org.co Luis Germán Naranjo, Northern Andes Ecoregional Coordinator: lgnaranjo@wwf.org.co Persistent Organic Pollutants Colombia Approves the Stockholm Convention WWF Colombia carried out a study which identifies agricultural and industrial activities affected by the use or liberation of toxins in the soil wwf Colombia recently celebrated the Colombian government s approval (through Law 994 of 2005) of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). This law will be enforced after revision by the contry s Constitutional Court. From that moment on, Colombia will have two years in which to submit the National Application Plan to the Conference of Parties. This Plan will will outline the actions to be taken in order to comply with the obligations established in the Convention. next page WWF Colombia / María Ximena GALEANO 2

3 continued from previous page The approval of this law is a decisive advance, and shows the country s compromise in this matter, said Liliana María Soto, director of Sustainable Area Development Department with the Ministry. For this purpose, WWF Colombia carried out a study entitled, Diagnostic and Analysis of Toxic Threats and Potential Action Strategies in the Northern Andes Ecoregional Complex (NAEC), which identifies agricultural and industrial activities that by the use or liberation of toxins in the soil, especially POPs, threaten the environment and the health of the population of the NAEC. It is also hoped to carry out an analysis of the legal and political framework that affects or is related with toxins, taking into account the previously mentioned diagnostic study. Currently, WWF Colombia, with the help of the Barret Foundation, is initiating the second phase of this study. With the aid of geo-referenced information, it is hoped to estimate the areas cultivated with potato, coffee, onion and flowers in the Andean region, where toxic substances are present or absent. This will enable to calculate the quantity of POPs used annually per crop in these areas and thus establish the development of an plan of action and a strategy which will permit reducing the production and use of toxins, said Luis Germán Naranjo, Coordinator of the Northern Andes Ecoregional Programme. Juan Carlos Espinosa, Environmental Policy Officer: jcespinosa@wwf.org.co Colombian Environmental Legislation Online informing about the legislation currently in the Congress of the Republic of Colombia relating to natural resources and biodiversity, is the object of a legislative and administrative monitoring project, put forward by WWF Colombia, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Faculty of Jurisprudence at the Rosario University in Bogotá. This monitoring will be available to the public through a website from the third week of February. It will contain up-to-date information on the advances, proposals and environmental legislation currently being debated in Congress. This project responds to the necessity the country has especially the necessity of its institutions, organisations and people connected with environmental matters, to be permanently informed of Colombia legislation, and of legal projects being debated in Congress. It will also be possible to consult legal legislation which will have a direct effect or a potential direct effect on renewable natural resources This can be achieved by the transparency of the information available and the strengthening of civil society with the aim of stimulating its participation in decisions which affect it. Conservation of the environment is shared responsibility, says Gloria Amparo Rodríguez, legal director of the project. The portal edu.co/jurisprudencia/seguimiento _legislativo will offer a didactic guide which allows users an easy access and understanding of the legislative processes in Colombia. There will also be debates and forums related to topics of national environmental interest. Ana María Lora, Environmental Policy Assistant: amlora@wwf.org.co 3

4 continued from 1 them, works hand in hand with other organisations following similar objectives. This is the case with WWF Colombia who have supported Omacha s projects, for example, on the distribution and abundance of the river dolphin in specific areas, such as the River Meta. This project complies with the objectives of the Integrated Management Programme for the Orinoco Basin which aims to support existing research on this species in order to further its conservation. Additionally, a project is underway to evaluate concentrations of mercury in commercial species of fish in order to determine pollution levels in aquatic ecosystems in the Orinoco region. Other projects involve biological evaluations of the private reserves of Bojonmawi (1200 ha) and Gran Colombia (4000 ha) in the department of Vichada, Colombia. These projects aim to increase the number of protected areas in the region. According to the director of Fundación Omacha, Fernando Trujillo, thanks to the participation and support from local communities in the area surrounding Puerto Carreño (Ticuna indigenous populations and mestizo fishers) and along the rivers Caquetá and Fundación Omacha works in areas inhabited by important species such as the pink river dolphin and giant otter Fundación Omacha / Fernando TRUJILLO WWF / Heinz STALDER Omacha is willing to build a research centre in the Orinoco region Apaporis (Yukunas, Tanimucas and Macues), we have implemented campaigns to protect and create awareness on the importance of species inhabiting the region. Fundación Omacha has also initiated a process implementing a management and conservation plan for the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) and neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) in the middle and lower reaches of the River Sinú (Córdoba). The project being backed by the regional environmental authority (CVS), local mayors offices of Cereté, San Pelayo, Cotorra, Lorica, Momil, Purísima, Chimá, San Bernardo del Viento and San Antero, academics, NGOs as well as the private and Omacha actually means pink river dolphin in Ticuna, the language of an indigenous community living in the Amazon basin. public sector. The project hopes to achieve the conservation and sustainable management of the species. Trujillo states that the organisation carries out these activities with focus on scientific research and education in order to develop conservation strategies for fragile aquatic recourses which are often considered to be invisible and open to unlimited exploitation. Our organisation wishes to show that this is not the case. In the future, Fundación Omacha hopes to continue its work, participating in the design and implementation of a management plan for the lakes of Tarapoto and Correo in the Amazon, in conjunction with the regional environmental authority (CORPOAMAZO- NIA) and other regional organisations. By the end of 2006, Omacha hopes to have begun work on the construction of a research centre in the Orinoco region, aimed at providing continuity to existing activities next page 4

5 continued from previous page in the region, carried out in alliance with other institutions. Trujillo continues, working together with WWF has been vitally important in widening our horizons, especially in recognising other actors who, in the medium term, will become key partners and international allies. Furthermore, we have managed to increase our educational capacity through an environmental teacher training programme in Puerto Carreño (Orinoco). These are significant results for the organisation and of course, for all those who are involved in protecting aquatic resources within the Orinoco basin. Fernando Trujillo, Director, Fundación Omacha José Saulo Usma, Freshwater and Orinoco River Basin Coordinator Afro-Colombian Communities in Spain Respecting their Natural and Cultural Richness the Afro-Colombian Communities Process (PCN, in Spanish) with the support of WWF Colombia, participated in the fourth meeting of the Special Working Group on the Implementation of Article 8 (j) and Associated Provisions, which took place recently in Spain. The aim was to monitor the advances in the commitments of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), particularly Article 8 (j) which refers to the need to respect, preserve and maintain the knowledge, innovations and practices of the indigenous and local communities. These communities have deeply-rooted traditional lifestyles important for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Promoting a more open application of these uses with the approval and participation of the communities, and assuring that the benefits derived from the use of the knowledge, innovations and practices is shared equally was also discussed. With the participation of the PCN in this event, the results and achievements of the project Towards the protection of the use and practice of ancestral knowledge associated with existing natural resources in Afro-Colombian communities of the Pacific coast have been shared internationally in the project. The project was supported by WWF International and the German Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ). José WWF UK / David SOUTHERN Afro-Colombian communities work for the protection, use and practice of their ancestral knowledge Absalón Suárez, a representative of the Afro-Colombian communities at the meeting, said, This was an opportunity to demonstrate that the community proposals are important to strengthen the processes towards respect and conservation of our natural and cultural resources. While the project was being carried out, the communities in the area of the Raposo and Mayorquín rivers close to 3500 inhabitants developed a protocol for the research being carried out in the territory which covers an area of 62,152 ha of tropical forest. The carried out a study to identify their ancestral knowledge and the area s natural resources, as well as building an environmental component for the internal regulations for the building of an Ethno-educational Community Projects (PEC, in Spanish) in Afro-Colombian communities. Ana María Lora, Environmental Policy Assistant: amlora@wwf.org.co 5

6 Efforts for Conservation in the Eastern Cordillera Range the Northern Tropical Andes Conservation Programme of The Nature Conservancy s (TNC) Ecuador office, Ecociencia and the AGUA Foundation, recently published the results of the Ecoregional evaluation: páramos and montane forests in the Eastern Cordillera, which was carried out in Ecuador, Perú and Colombia, with the support of the WWF Colombia s Northern Andes Ecoregional Programme. This evaluation of 9 million hectares of páramos and montane forests was financed by the MacArthur Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International development (USAID). Thanks to this study, 48 priority terrestrial areas and 156 fresh water areas most of them located in the basins of the Putumayo and Zamora-Cenepa rivers were identified as priorities for conservation. The evaluation covered an area of 9 million hectares of páramos and montane forest Of the 14 big ecosystem complexes which form the Northern Andes Ecoregional Complex (NAEC, in Spanish), the Eastern Cordillera contains large blocks with high levels of well-preserved natural vegetation. Its 28 natural ecosystems house the highest concentration of species in the NAEC, including plants, butterflies, amphibians, birds and mammals and a complex mosaic of settler farmers and ancestral indigenous groups (Kamentsa, Inga, Kofan, Shuar and Achuar), whose cultural survival and material welfare are directly related with the ecological integrity of these little-disturbed areas. Unfortunately, the expansion of the agricultural frontier (including in the extreme north, the cultivation of coca and opium poppy for illegal purposes), the development of infrastructure works and the presence of logging, oil exploration and mining concessions, are all threatening the survival of this great area. WWF-Canon / Kevin SCHAFER WWF-Canon / Kevin SCHAFER The document presented by these three organisations is a valuable portfolio which will help in The Eastern Cordillera contains high levels of well - preserved natural vegetation The Eastern Cordillera hosts the greatest wealth of fauna and flora in the NAEC the design of a network of areas which can successfully maintain the biodiversity, ecological processes and traditional lifestyles of the indigenous peoples that live in the region, said Luis Germán Naranjo, WWF Northern Andes Ecoregional Programme Coordinator. Although thirteen of the areas identified in this study belong to the national protected area systems of Colombia, Ecuador and the north of Perú, and many of these are collective territories belonging to indigenous communities, area significant proportion of the ecosystems of the Eastern Cordillera are threatened by external influences which affect the biodiversity of the region, he added. Luis German Naranjo, Northern Andes Ecoregional Coordinator: lgnaranjo@wwf.org.co 6

7 In Search of a Dream Awa Indigenous Organisation UNIPA is committed to implementing programmes related to health, education, cultural respect, institutional strengthening and sustainable agriculture. f ifteen years ago, a group of elders belonging to the Awa indigenous community in Ricaurte (Nariño) set up an organisation aimed at achieving the following objectives: to defend their land, to create respect for their communities lifestyles, to preserve traditions and uses related to nature, to safeguard their traditional livelihoods and to make their own authorities known. On 6 June 1990, the Awa indigenous organisation (UNIPA, in Spanish) was founded and its headquarters were established in the village of El Diviso. The organisation was set up in response to an immediate need to defend their right to their own land. The organisation s president, Olivio Bisbicus, explained that due to a legal problem with La Brava reservation, we had to speed up the process of acquiring title deeds for our land since we ran the risk of losing it. Since then, UNIPA has implemented a process of institutional strengthening, involving proposals to benefit the community directly. These projects were supported by organisations such as WWF Colombia, the European Union, the regional environmental authority (CORPONAR- IÑO) and the Nariño local government, among others. The above organisations joined forces with the indigenous communities in order to achieve joint objectives aimed at improving quality of life and the conserving the natural wealth of the Chocó region. UNIPA works for the welfare of its indigenous communities. It is committed to implementing programmes related to health, education, cultural respect, institutional strengthening and sustainable agriculture by means of inter-institutional alliances. For example, WWF Colombia has been involved in different initiatives set up WWF-Colombia / Diana ORDOÑEZ by this organisation since 2003 as part of its project Conservation and sustainable development in the Chocó Biogeographic Region: building capacities for livelihood improvement and environmental sustainability. The above project is funded by the European Union and WWF and is being implemented by a group of almost 40 different organisations throughout the Chocó-Darien ecoregion. The project aims to strengthen local conservation and The Awa territory in Colombia has an area of approximately 200,000 ha of rainforest sustainable development processes as well as conservation activities leading to better standards of living for rural communities. This project, alongside UNIPA s efforts, aims to improve livelihoods among the inhabitants of the 21 legally established indigenous reservations and a further four whose applications are still being processed. All the reservations are located within an area of approximately 200,000 ha of rainforest, the predominant ecosystem throughout Awa territory, located on the border between Colombia and Ecuador. next page 7

8 continued from previous page Over the last 15 years, UNIPA has slowly managed to establish itself within the indigenous communities, providing capacity building for the Awa people. In fact, now we are recognised and trusted by our people. Therefore, we hope that this organisational process will continue to make progress and that communities and young people will remain committed to this initiative in order to achieve our dream of improving livelihoods, concluded Bibicus. Unipa Beatriz Gallego Programme Officer Choco Biogeographic Ecoregional Complex Pacific Territories, Together in Mangrove Management The initiative is working towards a territorial zoning and management plan for 282,385 hectares of mangrove. The government, communities and WWF Colombia join efforts for the recovery and maintenance of the mangrove with the development of a pilot strategy for the recuperation, conservation, management and sustainable use of the mangrove ecosystems on the Pacific coast of Colombia, the Regional Environmental Authorities (known by Spanish initials, CARs) of the Departments of Nariño (Corponariño), Cauca (CRC), Valle (CVC) and the Regional Environmental Authority for the Sustainable Development of Chocó (Codechocó) and WWF Colombia, united their efforts with Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities in the Chocó Biogeographic Eco-region, for the purpose of maintaining and recuperating this important ecosystem. The initiative is currently working towards a territorial zoning and management plan for 282,385 hectares of mangrove swamps in pilot areas in the municipalities of Tumaco (Nariño), Timbiquí (Cauca), Buenaventura (Cauca Valley) and the San Juan Littoral (Chocó). This is a contribution to the improvement of WWF Colombia / María Ximena Galeano the living conditions and environmental sustainability of the local populations that are affected by intensive logging, mining and aquatic activities taking place in these territories. This effort, which will involve 40% of the rural population in these municipalities, hopes that 170 hectares will become part of the recuperation process and 200 hectares in the management process. It is also hoped that the implementation of three sustainable production alternatives which involve 700 families and the strengthening of the organisational and participative capacity of the Community Councils and grassroots organisations, as well as the recuperation of two marine species used in traditional agriculture. The CARs in their capacity as regional environmental authorities, and the communities involved in the initiative will centre their actions on strengthening training for the territorial organisations, and in the implementation of actions for the recuperation of the mangrove swamp ecosystem. They will help in the gathering of technical and economic knowledge of the families in the initiative, as well as following up the advances through a monitoring plan in accordance with the socio-environmental reality of the communities living in the mangrove swamps. Carmen Candelo, Training Coordinator of WWF Colombia, said that This process will reduce the impact produced on these ecosystems in terms of alteration and degradation, not only of the biodiversity, but also of the socio-economic conditions of the population. Carmen Candelo, Capacity Building Coordinator ccandelo@wwf.org.co 8

9 A Community Purpose Indigenous Forestry Management Plan Organización Indígena de Antioquia some 60,000 hectares of tropical forest and tropical rain forest - home to indigenous communities in Mutatá and Chigorodó (in the region of Uraba, north-western Colombia) - will be the focus point for the implementation of a Community Forestry Management Plan. The specific area includes the indigenous reserves of Yaberaradó and Polines (in the municipality of Chigorodó) as well as Jaikerazabi and Chontadural (in the municipality of Mutatá). The Plan drawn up by the technical team of the Urabá Region Indigenous Forestry Management Programme with the support of WWF Colombia, the Urabá Sustainable Development Authority The Plan selected a production area of 13,285 hectares (Corpourabá), the Colombian Forestry Programme and Paramillo National Park selected a production area of 13,285 hectares. This intends to strengthen the management capacity and territorial control of the indigenous communities through environmental recuperation by forestry management, the sustainable management of their forests and the improvement of their quality of life. One of the first phases of the implementation of the Plan will be the piloting of a commercial experience Organización Indígena de Antioquia in the indigenous reserves of Polines and Chontadural, in an area of approximately 100 hectares. It is hoped through this exercise to gather important information in order to continue the implementation of the Forestry Management Plan and the community forestry company. The indigenous communities are conscious of the need to manage their forest resources in a sustainable way as an alternative to more environmentally, socially and culturally damaging practices which are becoming evident in certain areas, said Gustavo Rojas, technical Coordinator of the Forestry Management Programme of the OIA (Antioquia s Indigenous Organisation) The Plan will be the piloting of a commercial experience in indigenous reserves The Community Forestry Management Plan is an opportunity through which more than 2000 indigenous people assures the sustainability of their forests The Community Forestry Management Plan is an opportunity that more than 2000 indigenous people were looking; this permits a respect for their customs and ancestral lifestyles. It assures the sustainability of the forests through the organisation of integrated use processes and the transformation and commercialisation of forest products. Martha Lucy Mondragón Forests Coordinator mlmondragon@wwf.org.co 9

10 continued from 1 WWF-Canon / Kevin SCHAFER In 2004 the methodology was used as a pilot exercise in 90% of the protected areas in Colombia designed to measure the effectiveness of the processes being carried out within a particular conservation area and its ecosystems, and the relationship these processes have on the communities. The first exercise using this tool took place in 2000, in the South-Western Territorial Regional Department of the National Parks System and WWF Colombia applied the methodology in Farallones National Park located in the Chocó Biogeographic Ecoregion, which is considered a priority area by the WWF. As a result of this exercise, Farallones NP conservation objectives concerning the hydro resource supply, natural forest ecosystems, habitat maintenance for the traditional groups in the area, and the provision of natural spaces for environmental education, ecotourism and research were 80% on tar- get. This showed that the work being carried out is coherent with the proposals of the National System of Protected Areas. Additionally, the Analysis framework brought important information about the intercultural relations in the area. In fact, Luis Fernando Goómez, the Park Director, maintains that by applying this methodology it was evident that, we had a 20% presence and recognition in the communities. Now we have started a process that allows us to get to know better and be more sensitive to the Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations, for the purpose of forming working groups and setting timetables with a view to focussing the processes on the conservation and sustainable use of the 205,266 hectares of this National Park. This has involved the Afro-Colombian communities living close to the Naya River, and we have strengthened our contact with the Association of Indigenous Tribal Leaders in the Cauca Valley (Aciva). This is a significant step, since the Effectiveness Analysis for Protected Area Management proposes the active participation of local communities. Taking this result as a case study, in 2004 the methodology was used as a pilot exercise in 90% of the protected areas in Colombia. This has improved the administration of these areas and permitted the methodology to be used in the supervision and carrying out of different projects in corresponding areas. This whole procedure has enabled the work carried out to be valued within these protected areas and new processes to be proposed in order to conserve the resources, now that this method seeks to identify in time, advantages and disadvantages in relation to topics relating to biodiversity, environmental services and community participation. In 2006 The Colombian National Parks Authority (PNN) and WWF will work on the second phase of the task. It is hoped that the results obtained during 2004 can be processed and used as important strategies in the PNN offices, thereby enabling specific responsibilities to be shared out among the work teams to that they can work jointly with the local populations. Sandra Valenzuela, Planning and Development Coordinator: svalenzuela@wwf.org.co 10

11 Peasant Development Association A Bet for Rural Conservation with the objective of improving the quality of life of the local population, generating processes for the care and sustainable use of their natural resources, and preserving their environmental riches, more than 3,000 people belonging to 550 peasant and indigenous families in the municipalities of Pasto, Chachaguí, Buesaco and Yacuanquer (in Nariño department, Colombia) got together to form the Peasant Development Association (known by it Spanish initials, ADC). Since 1980 the organisation has consolidated its efforts for rural conservation in different territories through the creation of Working Collectives an idea based on an age-old ancestral method which works thanks to the collective efforts of the groups aimed at achieving common conservation goals. Today there are four groups in the ADC involved in working collectives that support the rural conservation efforts of this organisation. The Peasant Association of La Cocha (Asoryacocha), is located in the district of Encano, has 72 families participating in a full-time system of sustainable production and recuperation of natural ecosystems thus contributing to the establishment of biological corridors. The Orchid Peasant Association (Asorquidea) works in the municipality of Yacuanquer. Here 74 families work on food sufficiency and the recuperation of soil fertility and the protection of water sources in the area. The Unified Peasants Association (Asounificados), which extends from municipalities of Buesaco and Chachaguí, has 60 families working on the recuperation of terraced soils. Finally, the Gualmatán Collective, through its system of production-conservation, gathers together 55 families in the municipality of Pasto. These four associations make the consolidation of the ADC possible and in their respective territories work on food sustainability and biodiversity conservation, social organisation and management, the Inheritors of the Planet Programme, geographic information systems and communications. In 1991 the Network of Natural Reserves of La Cocha was created Reaping the benefits Because of the exploitation of vegetal carbon and timber in the municipality of Encano, in 1991 the Peasant Association of La Cocha (known as Asoyaracocha) decided to set up the Network of Natural Reserves of La Cocha as a conservation and sustainable production alternative aided by the ADC. Today there are 52 peasant and indigenous families participating in the Network and they work for the conservation of an area of approximately 4000 hectares of cloud forest, páramos and wetlands. Sixteen percent of this area is located in the upper basin of the Guamués River where Lake La Cocha is situated. This is the best conserved wetland area in the Northern Andes and was declared in April 2000 as a Ramsar site, or Internationally Important Wetland Edward PARKER next page 11

12 continued from previous page WWF Colombia / Diego M. GARCÉS Area. This achievement permitted the ADC to participate in the construction of a policy for internal wetland areas in Colombia, which was drawn up between 2001 and It is hoped that this will guarantee the sustainability of the hydro resources through rational use and the conservation of these strategic ecosystems. All the work done by the ADC with the support of the Network of Private Reserves of La Cocha, which is aided by WWF Colombia, was recognised by the Foundation for Participative Environmental Management (Fungap, in Spanish) at the end of The scheme was awarded the Successful Participative Environmental Management for Wetlands in the Americas 2005 prize by the Dutch Committee of the World Conservation (IUCN, in English) and the World Convention on Important Wetlands (Ramsar). Martha Ortega, director of the ADC, maintains that These types of recognition are only a sample of what the ADC can achieve towards the future, and we hope to continue our work strengthening and positioning the processes already started. This involves political issues, food sustenance, the conservation of our ecosystems and the growth and well-being of the population through local leadership. Se added, All these possibilities opened up 25 years ago with the foundation of the ADC, which can share its experiences today. The experience of Harvesting Diversity in Southeastern Colombia: A Conservation and Welfare Alternative for Human Development (Network of private Reserves of La Cocha) recognised this participative process that seeks to improve the quality of life and the conservation of environmental and cultural diversity within the area that forms the Peasant Development Association. This diversity involves the participation of 512 young boys, girls and youngsters that make up the Inheritors of The ADC has consolidated common efforts for rural conservation actions. the Planet Programme. Five groups (Friends of Nature, The Toucans, The Orchid, Gualmaventura and Green Life), from five localities in the departament of Nariño, all work on conservation, research and communication activities within their territories. One example of the work done by the Inheritors of the Planet Programme is the radio communications initiative in the La Cocha area and the team of young people dedicated to making videos, known as Gualmavisión. These videos help in promoting the activities and specific achievements of the Working Collectives that make up the ADC. Each one of these ADC initiatives involve the active participation of the community, they arise from the need to conserve rural territories and environmental riches in the area, as well as the farming and indigenous cultures represented by this organisation. It is hoped that in the next 25 years, more work can be done to protect the natural resources in this area so important for the local community. Martha Ortega, Director ADC adc@adc.org.co 12

13 Carmen Ana Dereix Publications and Brand: Calendar Orinoco 2006 A Tribute to the Orinoco Basin thepublications Analysis Effectiveness for Protected Areas With the aim of highlighting the important work being carried out within the Orinoco Basin Ecoregional Programme, WWF Colombia launched its new calendar Orinoco Support was received from the WWF International Network, (WWF, WWF Switzerland, The Living Waters Programme, and the Latin American and Caribbean Secretariat of WWF International), the Dutch Government s International Cooperation Division (DGIS), and UK s Ministry of International Development (DFID). With photographs and text, this publication illustrates the joining of waters from the Andes and the Guyana Shield, two geologically distinct worlds with particular characteristics. Fresh water corridors cross the savannah plains reaching the Orinoco Delta where they meet up with the Atlantic, forming an important habitat for the reproduction and life cycles of many marine species. This habitat is also shared by highly vulnerable species like the Arrau or Charapa turtle, the Orinoco caiman, the giant otter, the pink dolphin and the jaguar. With Orinoco 2006, WWF not only shows its commitment to the region and the focus of its work, but also permits the establishment and strengthening of relations with different groups in the region. With the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands, DFID, the Global Network of WWF and the World Bank, WWF Colombia and the Colombian National Parks Authority published a pedagogic manual for the applicability of Analysis Effectiveness for the Management of Protected Areas with Social Participation. This useful tool examines the efficiency of the processes already under way within an area earmarked for the conservation of its ecosystems, and the relations with the communities living there through long-, medium-, and short-term application of the analysis. The explanation of the methodology of the different components and the steps to be followed, are developed in the publication s four separate texts. There is also a CD-ROM outlining all the applications of the methodology. 13

14 Regional Strategy for High Andean Wetlands Practical, Online English-Language Training Guide Eight Ramsar Convention member countries representing Andean wetlands (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Perú) have designed a Regional Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of High Wetland Areas. As part of the strategy, WWF Colombia published High Andean Wetlands: Fragile and Strategic Ecosystems that Offer Environmental Services for the Wellbeing of Millions of People. The aim of this publication is to make known the objectives, principles and actions of this regional initiative in the framework of the ninth meeting of the Ramsar Convention held in Uganda in As well as the publication, there is a promotional video. The Andean Regional Strategy has the support of the Danone Group, the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Ramsar Wetland Convention, the British Ministry for International Development (DFID) and the WWF. The Global Water Partnership (GWP) recently concluded the on-line the English digital version of the manual Organising Workshops: A Guide for Educators. The book in Spanish was originally published in 2003 by WWF Colombia, In Wen (formerly DSE Germany) and the Institute for Communication in Organisations (IFOK). For GWP this manual is a key tool to carry out educational and capacity building processes amongst several actors. The publication, developed by Carmen Candelo Reina, WWF Colombia Capacity Building Coordinator, together with Gracia Ana Ortiz Ruiz and Barbara Unger, presents concepts and guidance to plan, organise, carry out, evaluate and follow up the different training workshops in any context. The digital versions, both in English and Spanish can be downloaded from Connect: document.cfm?ufolderid=106&udocid=69428 and WWF Colombia s site: org.co/colombia/publicaciones.php?lang=en 14

15 ouragenda Colombia Programme March 5 to april With the intention of evaluating the different conservation actions supported by WWF UK in Colombia, anevaluating team will be in the country from March 5 until 7 April They will study certain areas of the Northern Andes and the Chocó Biogeographic ecoregions where WWF are working on projects (financed or co-financed by WWF UK). The idea is to highlight the relevance, effectiveness and impact of these projects, and recommend improvements for future work. The team will also look at how the use of funds is used in the projects and discuss the lessons learned in order to contribute to a better organisational understanding so as to lead to better credibility and transparency. The team will be made up of representatives from WWF UK, WWF Bolivia, WWF Colombia and an external evaluator. Sandra Valenzuela, Planning and Development Coordinator. savalenzuela@wwf.org.co March A workshop on the base line revision of the National Protected Area System will take place on the 13 March in Bogotá. The workshope is within the framework established under the Understanding Memorandum signed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Conservational International (CI), WWF Colombia and the National Parks Authority. Ximena Barrera, Policy Coordinator. xbarrera@wwf.org.co March 16 to From the March, WWF Colombia will form part of the WWF Delegation at the 8 th conference of signatory states of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which will be held in Curitiba, Brazil. At the meeting WWF Colombia will participate in the Working Group on Protected Areas, and present a case study jointly with the The Afro-Colombian Communities Process (PCN, in Spanish) in a parallel event organised by the IUCN. It will also support the WWF delegation in following up the targets set by the countries in the CBD framework. WWF Colombia will accompany the Colombian National Parks Authority in reporting on the advances in the development of the Protected Areas Understanding Memorandum. Ximena Barrera, Policy Coordinator. xbarrera@wwf.org.co May 28 to june The Seventh Inter-American Congress on the Conservation of Private Lands will take place in Cartagena, Colombia from the 28 May to 2 June This encounter hopes to interchange experiences that contribute to private conservation in the Americas, strengthen public-private cooperation and promote the effective conservation of biological diversity in the long-term. The event is being organised by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The Natura Colombia Foundation, The Colombian Civil Society Network of Private Reserves, the National Parks Authority (PNN) and WWF Colombia. Ana María Lora, Policy Assistant. amlora@wwf.org.co Organización Indígena de Antioquia 15

16 Northern Andes March On 1 March, the National Parks Authority (PNN), the Corporation for the Protection of the Meseta de Bucaramanga and WWF Colombia will organise a field trip to the Berlín Páramo, in the department of Santander as part of the process of this being declared a protected area. Andrés Felipe Trujillo, GIS Assistant. aftrujillo@wwf.org.co March There will be a meeting on 2 March in Bucaramanga, department of Santander on how to establish the environmental module of the North-eastern Training School. Participants include the Itza Foundation and WWF Colombia. Andrés Felipe Trujillo, GIS Assistant. aftrujillo@wwf.org.co March On 3 March in Bucaramanga (Santander department) a meting will be held between the National Parks Authority and WWF Colombia with the aim of analysing some of the aspects related to the possible extension of Guanentá Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. Andrés Felipe Trujillo, GIS Assistant. aftrujillo@wwf.org.co Orinoco Basin February 28 to march From 28 February 4 March. WWF Colombia will host Alice Eymard-Dovernay of WWF Switzerland. She will have the opportunity of getting to know first hand the work being carried out by the Colombian National Parks Authority (PNN), The Colombian Institute for Rural Development (Incoder) and the Corporation for the Sustainable Development of Northern and Eastern Amazonia (CDA) in Puerto Inírida (Guainia department). The objective is to increase the representation of protected areas in watershed of the River Inírida. Saulo Usma, Orinoco Programme Coordinator. jsusma@wwf.org.co March 3 to From 3-7 March in La Cruz (Nariño department) WWF Colombia and the National Parks Authority will hold a meeting on how to put into place the work plan for the declaration of Doña Juana-Cascabel protected area which has 64,000 hectares of páramo, Andean and High Andean forests located on the Amazonian slope. Olga Lucía Hernández, Programme Officer. olhernandez@wwf.org.co March On 14 March in Versalles (Cauca Valley department) there will be a workshop on the definition of conservation objectives for the Paraguas mountain range. The Versalles and Serraniagua Corporations, WWF Colombia and the Environmental Authority will participate. Andrés Felipe Trujillo, GIS Assistant. aftrujillo@wwf.org.co March The Regional Environmental Authorities of the Department of Nariño and Amazonia, together with WWF Colombia will meet on 27 March in Pasto (Nariño department). The goal is to establish the steps to follow in the restructuring process for the Regional Protected Areas System in the Amazonian area. Olga Lucía Hernández, Programme Officer. olhernandez@wwf.org.co March 8 to WWF Colombia will participate in the world meeting of WWF Freshwater Programmes to be held in Chihuahua (Mexico) from the 8-14 of March The financing of WWF development programmes will be examined. There will also be a training course with experts in the topic of water. Saulo Usma, Orinoco Programme Coordinator. jsusma@wwf.org.co 16

17 Chocó Biogeographic March On 1 March in Bogotá, WWF Colombia and the Caja de Herramientas Foundation will meet with the idea of establishing a possible relationship between the Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Chocó Biogeographic Region: Building Capacities for the Improvement of the Quality of Life and Environmental, Sustainability, a project co-financed by WWF and the European Union, and the Colombian Community Network of Environmentally Friendly Producers. This is supported by the Government of the Netherlands, the U.S. Environmental and Childhood Action Foundation in cooperation with the Colombian Ministry of the Environment, Housing and Territorial Development s Strategic Plan for Green Markets. It is hoped to establish lines of action to be taken for alternative sustainable products and biocommerce. This meeting will also be a forum for interchanging and adding to strong points of both projects. María Fernanda Jaramillo, Chocó Ecoregional Programme Coordinator. mfjaramillo@wwf.org.co March 1 to A communications workshop will take place in Juanchaco (Malaga Bay, Valle del Cauca department) from March 1-3, 2006, hosted by the Inter-institutional Collective for the Conservation and Defence of the Natural Values of Málaga Bay. The workshop hopes to strengthen communication processes so as to establish action strategies to preserve and defend the Bay. julio mario fernández b, Communications Coordinator. jmfernandez@wwf.org.co March On March , the Ecosystems Office of the Ministry of the Environment, Housing and Territorial Development, together with the Regional Environmental Authority of Choco (Codechocó) and local authorities, community representatives and WWF Colombia and other NGO, will hold a meeting in the municipality of Pizarro in the River Baudó Delta (a Ramsar site in the department Chocó), to look at the steps to be followed for some of points in the Ramsar site management plan. María Fernanda Jaramillo, Chocó Ecoregional Programme Coordinator. mfjaramillo@wwf.org.co Design: WWF is one of the world s largest and most experienced independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: Conserving the world s biological diversity Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. WWF Colombia Communications julio mario fernández b Communications Coordinator jmfernandez@wwf.org.co WWF Colombia WWF Colombia Tel: +57 (2) Fax: +57 (2) Cra. 35 No. 4A - 25 info@wwf.org.co Cali - Colombia 17