Investing in Ecotourism: The Key to Colombia’s Future

Contributed by Emma Bell

Jaguar Lake, La Pedregoza

Our environment concerns are constantly changing as the effects of climate change not only increase at an alarming rate, but the struggle to find short-term as well as long-term solutions ensue. Programs which encourage investment in tropical trees are essential for the well-being of the economy and just as importantly, the fragile ecosystem and the respective societies which live around it. Hand in hand with these endeavors is an industry which has soared considerably in recent years, due to Colombia’s cultural appeal – tourism. As droves of eager explorers flock to hotspots which have been immortalized by Gabriel García Márquez as well as the wild reaches of one of the most beautiful countries in South America, it is only through ecotourism and adopting its principles which can provide a more sustainable foundation for economical and ecological endeavors.

Defining Ecotourism, Putting it into Practice

Cooling off in rainforest stream

The International Ecotourism Society offers a comprehensive definition of ecotourism, stating that it is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” This is the guiding theory which many organizations, businesses, charities and individuals have adopted, and there are a variety of ways to put the principles of ecotourism into practice by doing the following:

• Encouraging conscientious travel which is non-invasive, minimizing impact wherever possible. Travelers can do this by using only established routes, using public transport where possible, cleaning up after their stay, and respecting their environment. Businesses can do this by off-setting their carbon through energy-saving practices as well as buying carbon credits from programs like CO2 Tropical Trees.
• Building an awareness of environmental and cultural issues in the region and drawing appropriate attention to social and political challenges in an open and transparent dialogue.
• Ensuring that profit from travel-related ventures go directly towards conservation and preservation efforts of the area.
• Empowering local communities by giving them a direct role in decision-making, as well as helping their respective economies to flourish. Tourists should be encouraged to purchase local products and businesses should source local, ethical and sustainable goods where possible.
• Providing an authentic and off-the-beaten track experience for travelers, enabling them to discover a part of the world through a non-corporate lens. 

Mainstream Industries and Specialized Ventures

Kayaking in the rainforest

While ecotourism has formed its own niche venture over the years with many start-ups gaining recognition for their work, many mainstream industries have also wisely invested in taking a cleaner and greener approach. Industries like cruising – which would rightfully be considered a huge carbon-emitting mode of travel – have reinvented their approach to tourism, using renewable energy and cutting down on emissions as much as possible. As big companies realize that big profit goes hand in hand with big conservation, it’s a sign that tourism is headed in the right direction. Individuals, smaller businesses and organizations play an equally vital role; the advent of voluntourism which focuses on environment-specific challenges has contributed to the overall endeavors of ecotourism considerably, providing a positive and immersive experience for locals and tourists alike. Colombia is an ideal destination for this movement as it holds the title of being the “most bio-diverse country per square meter in the world.”

Meeting an anaconda at night

Colombia’s “mega-diversity” makes it a truly spectacular venue which not only teaches awareness on a regional level, but an international one. It features a section of the Amazon Rainforest – “the Lungs of the World”, which is responsible for 20% of the oxygen we breathe, as well as a vast garden of fauna and flora. While much of Colombia’s incredible landscape has remained largely unscathed, the ravages of non-conscientious tourism and other damaging industries has taken its toll, particularly with the use of agrochemicals. Colombia – along with many areas in South America which have taken a progressive approach to agriculture and conservation – have suffered the effects of these. But with increased awareness and efforts by conservationists, activists and organizations, this can and will change.

Rainforest orchid

But how can ecotourism work in conjunction with programs such as investing in tropical trees in Vichada, Colombia? The answer is quite simple when reflecting once again on the principles of ecotourism, and taking into account the positive effects of voluntourism; these are programs which not only benefit all local economies and keep the land healthy, sustainable, and beautiful (thus increasing its touristic appeal), but can be used hand in hand with tourism to spread awareness. Whether it’s a trip to help plant trees or simply a vacation which helps to partially fund these endeavors, promoting ecotourism in a place like Colombia is a great way to share the diverse wonders this country has to offer, as well as protect it.

The Rio Bita – World’s First Protected River

by Dexter B. Dombro

It is with great pride that I would like to tell you about our participation in declaring the Rio Bita in Vichada, Colombia, a protected river within the Orinoco basin. To the best of my knowledge this may be the only river in the world to have been declared a protected river, with various Colombian institutions, including our non-profit NGO, the La Pedregoza Environmental Corporation, leading the way to create a world-class model for conservation. Our Reserva Natural La Pedregoza, a conservation area registered with Resnatur and with the Colombian national parks system, is located in the heart of this newly protected area. The natural reserve shares 7 km of river bank with the Rio Bita, so we can add excitement to the pride we feel regarding this achievement.

On April 26, 2014, the following 10 people signed the agreement declaring the Rio Bita a protected river:

• Sergio Andrés Espinosa Flores, H.E. the governor of Vichada; 
•  Martha Plazas Roa, the executive director of Corporinoquia, the regional autonomous environmental authority; 
• Brigitte Baptiste, the executive director of the renowned Alexander von Humboldt Institute; 
• Héctor Alfonso Medina Torres, Rear Admiral in command of Colombia´s eastern naval forces; 
• Carlos Arturo Lora Gómez, regional Orinoco territory director for Colombia´s national parks system; 
• Fernando Trujillo, executive director of the Omacha Foundation; 
•  Alejandro Olaya Velasquez, executive director of the Palmarito Foundation; 
• Steven Jensen, the executive director of the Orinoquia Foundation; 
• A representative of the World Wildlife Fund in Colombia; and 
• Dexter B. Dombro, the executive director of the La Pedregoza Environmental Corporation.

Rio Bita accord signing ceremony.

The concept of a protected river is not to stop all human activity, but rather to insure that all activities are sustainable and are done with conservation and the protection of biodiversity in mind. This includes efforts to stop illegal hunting and wildlife poaching, to stop illegal commercial fishery, and to stop unsustainable traditional practices, like the collection of giant river turtle eggs, by providing enforcement of the law coupled with education and alternative solutions to local populations. At the same time, efforts will be made to change the practices of existing forestry and ranching operations, so that they become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The Rio Bita is approximately 500 km in length, so this is a huge undertaking, but already the various agencies have committed over $2,000 million Colombian Pesos (well over $1 million USD) to the task, together with the navy providing regular river patrols.

Dexter Dombro signing Rio Bita accord.

Our Amazonia Reforestation project at La Pedregoza, adjacent to the natural reserve area, will play an important leadership role in this process. La Pedregoza is at present the only fully organic tree plantation in the Rio Bita basin, and one of the model partners for sustainable forestry in the region. This is an important partnership, which includes the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Global Forest & Trade Network, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Program (PNUD), Colombia´s national parks system (PNN), the association of natural reserves (RESNATUR) and the Natura Foundation. The La Pedregoza Environmental Corporation is developing natural silviculture practices that will have global applicability, and has established additional partnerships with the International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN) and the International Biochar Initiative (IBI).

Oscar Forero and Governor of Vichada

The first step the protected river group will take is to do an extensive scientific literature review and to then plug in all the gaps with Rio Bita area studies, so that we have a solid scientific understanding of all aspects of this amazing river system, especially the biodiversity that depends on it and on the surrounding forests and savannahs. The La Pedregoza Environmental Corporation already has a multi-year history of supporting scientific studies in the region, and anticipates that the Reserva Natural La Pedregoza will provide a baseline for many of the scientific investigations being planned for the Rio Bita system. All of the partner organizations are equally experienced, so excellent results can be anticipated.

TNC scientists and Pedregoza members

The Rio Bita has no cities, towns or villages along its course, nor are there at present any factories, mines or petroleum installations. This makes the Rio Bita one of the last pure rivers on the planet, one that is home to amazing biodiversity, including aquatic mammals like pink dolphins, manatees and giant river otters. The river and its tributaries are home to an astonishing variety of fish, including many decorative fish normally only seen in aquariums. Monkeys, tapirs, capybaras, deer and many other mammals grace the inundation and gallery forests along the river, while macaws, parrots, falcons and hawks, to name only a few types of birds, control the skies above the river. A plethora of reptiles, like anacondas and turtles, various amphibians and multitudes of interesting insects from praying mantises to stick insects make the region a biologist’s dream.  In the Reserva Natural La Pedregoza we have some 370 species of trees and plants and we are still counting. The savannahs bordering the gallery forests are equally biodiverse in plants, animals, birds and insects.

Ichthyologists at Reserva Natural La Pedregoza

Protecting the Rio Bita for future generations and conserving its biodiversity is a task in which everyone can participate. It is an important part of the planet we all share. The La Pedregoza Environmental Corporation needs your support as it undertakes this huge task together with our partner organizations. Any help you can provide is much appreciated. Become part of the team to lay the foundations for a new and exciting model of conservation – a protected river system from its spring to its confluence with the mighty Orinoco!