CALI, COLOMBIA
Women for Conservation (W4C) has made a powerful impact during the first week of COP 16 in Cali, Colombia, driving meaningful discussions on the importance of gender equality in conservation while amplifying the voices of rural Colombian and Indigenous women. Throughout the week, W4C’s initiatives and partnerships have not only advanced the dialogue on biodiversity protection but also empowered women as vital stewards of our planet.
On October 22nd, W4C partnered with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation to celebrate Half-Earth Day 2024 by bringing 10 rural women from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to participate in an immersive environmental education training. That evening, these women shared their cultural heritage by performing a traditional regional dance in front of hundreds of participants, inspiring audiences with the resilience and beauty of Colombia’s rural traditions.
Adding a personal and poetic touch to the event, W4C’s co-founder and Executive Director, Isabella Cortes Lara, performed her original song “Agüita de Páramo”. This moving anthem celebrates the beauty and biodiversity of the páramo ecosystem, emphasizing the essential connection between water, life, and conservation. Isabella’s performance was met with heartfelt applause, underscoring the emotional connection between culture, environment, and the urgent need for biodiversity protection.
On October 25th, Isabella took the stage once more, performing “Agüita de Páramo” in COP 16’s Blue Zone for an event focused on women’s roles in the conservation of protected areas. The song served as a call to action, reminding participants that safeguarding ecosystems and empowering women go hand in hand.
Another highlight of the week was Sara Inés Lara, W4C’s co-founder and president, who moderated the “Sharing Knowledge and Insights” panel at Half-Earth Day at La Casa Humboldt. The panel featured a dynamic lineup of Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, and Latina women working in conservation, including Chadiz Valentina, an Indigenous trans environmental educator and proud W4C member. The discussion centered on the importance of including diverse voices in the global conservation movement and highlighted the leadership of women in environmental protection efforts.
In addition to promoting gender equity in conservation, W4C is also raising awareness about the critical intersection of family planning and conservation. W4C has partnered with Population Matters to deliver daily reports through videos, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from COP 16 participants. These conversations highlight the vital role accessible reproductive healthcare plays in enabling communities to adopt sustainable practices, reduce environmental pressure, and strengthen local ecosystems.
As part of its educational efforts, W4C proudly showcased the Reinita Chiva educational bus classroom at the Green Zone in central Cali, captivating hundreds of visitors each day. The bus offers interactive exhibits on Colombia’s threatened migratory birds, such as the cerulean warbler, Canada warbler, and golden-winged warbler—all species listed as conservation priorities under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Visitors of all ages learned about the importance of protecting these migratory birds and how conservation efforts in Colombia contribute to their survival.
Sara Inés Lara also delivered an inspiring talk at the event “Mujeres en Biodiversidad por los Territorios de Agua,” advocating for the empowerment of women as essential leaders in conservation. Her speech resonated with many at COP 16, reinforcing the message that women’s empowerment, cultural inclusion, and environmental stewardship are key components to achieving long-term sustainability.
Through these impactful events and partnerships, Women for Conservation has demonstrated that empowering women is integral to conserving biodiversity. With heartfelt performances, educational initiatives, and advocacy for reproductive healthcare, W4C continues to show the world how uplifting women can transform the future of conservation.
As the first week of COP 16 wraps up, W4C looks forward to continuing its work in the coming days, inspiring more people to join the movement to protect life, uplift women, and conserve the extraordinary ecosystems of Colombia and beyond.