Conservation with an Equity Approach
The call, carried out under a single-phase invitation scheme, aimed to establish a shortlist of organizations eligible for funding. The Equity Fund is a dedicated financial mechanism designed to provide direct access to multi-year resources for women, Indigenous communities, Afro-descendant peoples, and other historically excluded groups, with the goal of implementing conservation actions in priority areas for birds.
Five organizations were invited to submit proposals. Following a rigorous evaluation process, three were selected for their comprehensive approach, combining habitat protection with the strengthening of social and community fabric.
Impact of the Selected Projects:
The selected projects will have a significant impact in the departments of Cauca and Nariño, protecting more than 40,000 hectares across three municipalities. These initiatives will contribute to the conservation of strategic ecosystems, which are essential both for biodiversity in general and for the protection of bird species. In addition, they will strengthen community processes that promote inclusive territorial management, actively involving women, Indigenous peoples, and rural communities in decision-making and environmental conservation.
Selected Organizations
The three selected projects will be led by organizations with extensive experience and deep roots in their territories:
Gran Tescual Indigenous Reserve
Fundación En El Cauca Paisaje y Cultura (FP & C)
Conservation International Colombia in partnership with the Association of Women of the Bota Caucana (AMUBOC)
These efforts will contribute to Colombia’s commitments under the Conventions on Biological Diversity and Climate Change, positioning community-based conservation as an effective strategy to address socio-environmental crises.
About Conserva Aves
Conserva Aves is a regional initiative led by American Bird Conservancy, National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, Birds Canada, and the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC). In Colombia, it is implemented by Fondo Acción and Asociación Calidris, with the aim of strengthening climate resilience through the protection of critical bird habitats. It also has the financial support of the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
This innovative model demonstrates that effective conservation is achieved when local communities take a leading role in caring for their territories.
