We are in the midst of an extinction crisis and the ecosystems richest in biodiversity – such as the Colombian Andes – are most under threat. Yet, there are also emerging conservation success stories, thanks to community-led action, collaboration, and women’s leadership helping to conserve the Yellow-eared Parrot and Quindío Wax Palm.
For more than 25 incredible years, our founder Sara Inés Lara has been at the forefront of multiple conservation efforts aimed at saving the Yellow-eared Parrot from extinction with Women for Conservation and Fundación ProAves. One of our proudest initiatives is the “Reconcile with Nature” campaign, an annual, powerful environmental education initiative during Holy Week and Easter. Through this campaign, we’re spreading awareness far and wide about the critical importance of preserving two iconic species in Colombia: the captivating Vulnerable Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) and the majestic Vulnerable Quindío Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense).
This year, our campaign took flight in Jardín, Antioquia, Cajamarca, and Roncesvalles, Tolima– vibrant communities where the Yellow-eared Parrot thrives. During Palm Sunday festivities, we engaged the community in a variety of environmental education activities, aimed to ignite a passion for conservation among adults and children alike. The Quindío Wax Palm, Colombia’s cherished national tree, is under threat due to deforestation and the public using its palm fronds for Holy Week ceremonies. Meanwhile, the Yellow-eared Parrot, a native gem of the Colombian Andean region, teeters on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and the disappearance of the plant species it depends on for its survival.
“The world needs conservation. Conservation needs women.”
– Sara Inés Lara
Dive into Sara Inés Lara’s captivating speech below at the L’Oréal-UNESCO’s “For Women in Science” festival, where she shares the gripping tale of how rescuing the Yellow-Eared Parrot from the brink of extinction paved the way for her to establish a network of nature reserves across Colombia, all achieved through the steadfast collaboration of local women leaders. Join us as we celebrate these inspiring victories and chart a course towards a brighter, more sustainable future for our planet and all its inhabitants.
In the heart of Southwest Antioquia, Women for Conservation and ProAves warmly welcomed children to dive into environmental education through exciting activities, rallying them to join the movement for species preservation. Meanwhile, adults eagerly absorbed the urgent conservation message about the once-endangered parrot, now making strides towards recovery.
Amidst the festivities, attendees eagerly received wax palm seedlings, destined to find new homes in suitable spaces across the municipality. This hands-on effort not only supports the revival of the majestic palm but also enriches the habitat of the Yellow-eared Parrot for generations to come.
In Cajamarca and Roncesvalles, Tolima, we teamed up with the Andean Life Corporation, the Parish San José de Anaime, and local governments to emphasize the importance of conserving the Quindío Wax Palm and its associated species. Engaging discussions took place in commercial hubs, town squares, and at the kickoff of the Palm Sunday procession.
Women for Conservation partners with communities near three ProAves Natural Reserves dedicated to safeguarding the Yellow-eared Parrot, Quindío Wax Palm, and a myriad of Andean species. Explore the ProAves Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve in Jardín, the ProAves Fuertesi Parrot Reserve in Cajamarca, and the ProAves Andean Parrots Reserve in Roncesvalles, recently recognized as a Regional Natural Park by CORTOLIMA. For more information or to visit the breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity in these reserves, you can visit our partner Fundación ProAves’ website.
The “Reconcile with Nature” campaign is a shining example of how environmental education and community engagement can turn the tide for endangered species like the Quindío Wax Palm and the Yellow-eared Parrot. In the midst of an extinction crisis, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like the Colombian Andes, we stand at a pivotal moment. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s a beacon of hope: emerging conservation victories driven by community empowerment, collaboration, and the remarkable leadership of women. Join us in preserving nature’s wonders for generations to come.