Valle del Cauca, in Colombia, is a department notable for its biological diversity, standing out for its diverse ecosystems and a wide range of flora and fauna species. This natural wealth is not only the result of conservation and sustainable use initiatives led by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Valle del Cauca (CVC), but also thanks to the commitment and participation of a variety of key actors in the region.
The CVC has played a crucial role in the protection and preservation of the biodiversity of Valle del Cauca. Through reforestation, restoration, species monitoring and environmental education programs, in collaboration with various civil society organizations, municipal administrations, ethnic groups, academic institutions, among others, important progress has been achieved, highlighted Marco Antonio Suárez Gutiérrez, general director of the CVC.
READ MOST VIEWED NOTE: IN CAUCA THERE IS A MIRACLE FOREST
The department has six moorland complexes, declared protected areas and planning processes. In addition, it houses a Ramsar site that includes the largest wetland in southwestern Colombia, Laguna de Sonso, now the Laguna de Sonso Regional Integrated Management District, along with 23 wetlands and mangroves in the process of zoning, conservation agreements, declarations of protected areas and sustainability strategies, such as La Minga.
With more than 670,000 hectares between public and private protected areas, Valle del Cauca is the leading department in the number of protected areas in the country, with a total of 222, according to the CVC director.
Regarding the richness of its fauna and flora, 51% of the birds and 39% of the mammals in Colombia are found in the Cauca Valley, for which management plans and monitoring programs for priority species have been designed. , such as community monitoring of the sea turtle Caretta caretta. In addition, action plans have been implemented for the management of six priority invasive species.
The Wildlife Care and Assessment Center, managed by the Biodiversity Group of the CVC, has been fundamental in the management and recovery of individuals rescued or confiscated in the department, with a total of 954 individuals cared for and 179 returned to their habitat. natural so far in 2024, said Natalia Gómez, a biologist with the group.
In addition, currently, 16 basins in the department have Reciprocal Agreements for Water (ARA), which have allowed the restoration of 5,000 hectares, 350 hectares of restored mangroves, 16 hectares of restored wetlands, 25,000 hectares under sustainable management and around 54,000 benefited people.
Through various initiatives such as Landscape Management Tools, more than 8,500,000 trees have been planted and 7,117 hectares have been restored in the last four years. In addition, there are 16 protected areas that offer nature tourism programs and 8 Environmental Education Centers that have established themselves as tourist and educational destinations in the Valley of Los Sueños.
The Carbon Neutral Valley program has involved 223 companies, 19 of which have managed to neutralize their carbon footprint. By December 2023, a reduction of more than 700,000 tons of CO2 had been achieved.
The CVC also provides support to more than 296 Green Businesses in lines of sustainable bioproducts and services, industrial eco-products and products oriented towards environmental quality.
In recent events, Oceans Week began in Buenaventura, with the aim of highlighting marine biodiversity and actions for its protection. In addition, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was inaugurated in Florida, which will help reduce pollution in the Frayle and Carisucio rivers.
The play “Nature is not for sale” will arrive at the José María Córdoba Educational Institution in Yumbo, with the purpose of raising awareness among students about the importance of conserving natural resources.
On June 16, the Eco Run Buenaventura will be held and on June 23, the corporation will accompany the Nirvana 10k in Palmira.
