Women for Conservation and the community of Bethel in the Sierra Nevada have joined forces to celebrate the beautiful biodiversity and importance of conservation in the Santa Marta de Sierra Nevada region. Our Executive Director, Isabella Cortés Lara, has spearheaded the project’s artistic portion, designing a mural celebrating the most representative species of fauna and flora from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Isabella and community members young and old alike came together to paint this beautiful mural that was inaugurated in the heart of Bodega Bethel, and which beautifies the local landscape while serving as an environmental education tool for the community.
Our mural features a detailed depiction of the most emblematic species of the region, such as the majestic and endemic Green-bearded helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii), the Endangered Santa Marta parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata), the Near-Threatened Keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Every detail has been carefully crafted to highlight the natural wealth of the Sierra Nevada, with the aim of fostering appreciation and awareness about the importance of conserving these natural treasures.
In addition to the mural, Women for Conservation conducted a series of interactive workshops to teach residents about effective conservation practices and the value of Colombia’s biodiversity. The workshops included hands-on activities and bird-watching guides for attendees to take home. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the threats facing local species and the actions they can take to mitigate these risks.
“The creation of the mural and the execution of these workshops are part of our commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental education,” commented Isabella Cortés during her work with the community.
The residents of Bethel have embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, highlighting the positive impact that the mural and workshops have had on their perception of local biodiversity. The collaboration between Women for Conservation and the local Bethel community has proven to be a powerful force for change, underscoring the importance of community action in environmental protection.
With this initiative, Bethel is taking a significant step toward a more conscious and respectful future regarding its natural environment, demonstrating that the combination of art and education can be a powerful tool for conservation.