In a landmark event, Women for Conservation partnered with Conservation Connect to bring together 25 passionate rural women leaders from across Latin America for the first-ever “Women for Conservation Circle,” held at the breathtaking Las Tangaras Regional Park in Colombia’s Chocó cloud forest. From November 5-9, 2024, these remarkable women united to share knowledge, build a network of support, and strengthen their roles as guardians of endangered wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
Empowering Women Leaders with New Skills and Stronger Networks
The gathering provided a unique platform for these women—who protect some of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes—to connect, learn new conservation skills, and create collaborative strategies. For many, it was the first time they could share their experiences and challenges with other women on the same journey, overcoming the isolation that often accompanies grassroots conservation work.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in hands-on activities, from strategic planning sessions to biodiversity monitoring workshops. Each woman brought her own perspective, leading to powerful discussions on challenges like habitat loss, climate change, and community resilience. They also committed to a collective conservation project: each participant will conduct tree planting or habitat restoration in her home region over the next year, amplifying their shared impact across Latin America.
The final day’s “Listening Circle” was a deeply moving experience, allowing participants to discuss both personal and professional challenges in a safe, supportive space. This moment of unity underscored the importance of fostering a community of women conservationists who lift each other up.
Building a Lasting Legacy of Women-Led Conservation
The gathering’s impact reaches far beyond Las Tangaras Reserve. These women are now part of a lasting network that will continue to grow, inspire, and support each other. Women for Conservation is proud to empower these incredible women, who are on the frontlines of biodiversity protection and environmental resilience. As they return to their communities, they carry with them new skills, renewed determination, and a powerful network of allies, creating a ripple effect that will benefit ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities for years to come.
As we look to the future, Women for Conservation is more committed than ever to expanding this network, supporting women-led conservation projects worldwide, and empowering rural women to lead the charge in biodiversity conservation. The journey has just begun, and with every woman who joins our circle, our impact grows stronger, our voices louder, and our resolve unbreakable. Together, we are creating global movement—one where women lead the charge in preserving our planet’s biodiversity and building a sustainable future for all.
