TUI Forest Colombia
Above the clouds in Urrao, the high Andean forests are home to rare species of trees, orchids and endangered species such as the spectacled bear. Rural mountain villages here grow avocados, coffee and cacao and are starting to welcome an increasing number of holidaymakers.
Climate change has led to deforestation in the area, making the land more prone to fires and affecting the population’s water security. Developing local agroforestry practices is therefore essential. These systems mix typical agricultural products, such as coffee, with native shrubs and trees that provide shade, improve soil quality, habitat for biodiversity, and retain water so that the land stays fertile and useful for the farmers.
TUI Forest Colombia blends the reforestation of native trees with agroforestry practices to support local farming communities, whilst protecting endangered biodiversity. The cultivation of cacao and vanilla allows the conservation of standing forests whilst also providing income for local farmers. As such, the project presents an opportunity to connect tourism and ecosystem restoration activities.
The rural populations around Urrao are mostly from the Paisa culture, descendants of mixed Spanish and indigenous groups known for their agricultural economy and tourism activities. They have been living here since Spanish colonial times and have seen a rise in interest from holidaymakers, who seek out authentic experiences and a peaceful break in harmony with nature. TUI Forest Colombia, in partnership with Global Forest Generation (GFG), ECOAN and Ecotropics, involves 400 community members in 15 environmental education workshops and various reforestation campaigns.
Together, 123,000 trees are being planted which are three highly productive species in terms of carbon capture. Many of the trees are grown in a tree nursery specially built and maintained by the project. The trees are planted in a restored area of over 112 hectares, which is also weeded, fenced and irrigated for the purpose. The project creates around 100 jobs, which include nursery maintenance as well as the part-time labour around its construction and the reforestation efforts.
The project also has a positive impact on endemic animals through its potential to protect and restore a biodiversity corridor of approximately 60,000 hectares. TUI Forest Colombia is home to four endangered animal species that are being monitored in the area, including the spectacled bear, the only species of bear native to South America, as well as the cougar, the jaguar and the ocelot.
TUI Forest Colombia also foresees the creation of a pioneering nature-based tourism product for 500 domestic tourists. This experiential tour is being created through a roundtable for tourism involving local stakeholders.
Project Partners
Global Forest Generation
Global Forest Generation’s (GFG) mission is to restore forest ecosystems – at the scale needed to reverse the climate and biodiversity crisis. It does so by developing large-scale, multi-country restoration initiatives across critical ecosystems and catalyse the tools, resources, partnerships and capacities needed for local leaders to succeed in the long term.
ECOAN
Asociación Ecosistemas Andinas (ECOAN) is a non-governmental non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of endangered species of forests of Queuña in the mountains of Cusco, working hand in hand with the local communities.
