Blue macaws flying around “El nido del Guacamayo” (Aracacuara, Caquetá, Colombia) – Photo: Niko Jacob
This year, like the macaws crossing the Araracuara canyon, with The Community Forests, we are flying high. We closed a transformative 2024: communities and nature changing the world. Explore our milestones and click on the links and images for more details.
Key moments of 2024
Dabucury: a story of conservation and tradition
In January, we arrived to the jungles of Guaviare, along the Vaupés River, to learn about the Dabucury REDD+ Project, one of the most impressive conservation initiatives in the world. Led by indigenous Tukano, Desano, Wanano, Piratapuyo, Kubeo, Karijona and Tikuna communities, this project is a living example of how climate action and cultural richness can transform lives and territories. Relive the video, here:
On the global stage: Change Now Paris
In May, The Community Forests took its message to Change Now Paris, the largest global event for sustainable solutions. We reaffirmed that “There is no Planet B” and highlighted the urgency of protecting our biodiversity.
From Paris, we demonstrated that sustainability is not just fashion, but the only path to a better future.
Indigenous Voices at the Latin American and Caribbean Climate Summit in Cartagena
In June, The Community Forests took center stage at the Latin American and Caribbean Climate Summit (#LACS2024), organized by IETA and ASOCARBONO. With an outstanding delegation from the Huitoto, Muinane and Andoke communities of the Colombian Amazon, we led “The REDD+ Projects and Indigenous Communities Debate”. This event, led by community leaders, highlighted that forest protection is a collective mission. In addition, our stand, a maloca of connection and thought, symbolized the wisdom and collaboration that inspire the initiatives we develop.Watch the video of the event:
Culture and Sustainability: Estéreo Picnic Festival and VASSAR Fair
In July we joined the VASSAR Fair with Páramo Impacta. Thanks to The Community Forests, and in particular the Monochoa Indigenous Reserve (Caquetá, Colombia), the carbon footprint of the event was offset, thus supporting the sustainable development of the communities. We also awarded the Prize to the Most Sustainable Undertakings, including The Loop Concept, with whom we are formulating a solid waste recycling and transformation project with the Monochoa Indigenous Reserve.
In addition, the Estéreo Picnic 2024 Festival footprint was compensated – with certified credits from The Community Forests. Undoubtedly one of the most transcendent music and culture events in Colombia, one that is becoming more sustainable every day.
Connecting with Sustainability in Mexico
In August, The Community Forests participated in the Mexico Carbon Forum in León, Guanajuato, a key space for dialogue and climate action. In addition to presenting a creative and sustainable stand, we officially launched ACOLMX, an alliance between Yauto, Carbo Sostenible, Terra Commodities, CRONEM and EWE.
This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to comprehensive solutions in sustainability and carbon management, addressing the region’s climate challenges.
The Guardians of the Amazon shined at Climate Week NYC
In September, The Community Forests took center stage at Climate Week NYC 2024 with two key events: the photo exhibit “Guardians of the Amazon: A Photographic Tribute” and the event “Indigenous-led forest protection in Colombia”.
The exhibition, at the Colombian Consulate in New York, showcased the majesty of the Amazon and the impact of REDD+ projects that have protected more than 2 million hectares and reduced 15 million tons of CO2. Its success extended the exhibit through December, with pieces now part of the consulate’s permanent collection.
At the event, indigenous leaders shared how they combine ancestral knowledge and modern science to conserve their territories and revitalize sustainable practices, making it clear that protecting the Amazon is a global and collective effort.
Amazon indigenous leaders Luis Alberto Fiagama and Jorge Furagaro walking through Times Square NYC – Photo: Niko Jacob
Cali COP and the Yaire Project: A Milestone for Biodiversity
In October, The Community Forests and the Monochoa Indigenous Reserve presented the Yaire Project at the COP16 on Biodiversity in Cali, a milestone in the conservation of the Colombian Amazon. This initiative, led by Uitoto and Muinane communities, seeks to establish the first indigenous biodiversity crediting project in Colombia, giving tangible value to ecosystems and preserving their cultural heritage.
The October 30 event brought together indigenous leaders and scientists, who presented a detailed inventory of the region’s fauna and flora, highlighting the importance of these territories for a sustainable future. The Yaire Project reaffirms the crucial role of indigenous peoples as guardians of global biodiversity.
In addition, our stand, a marvelous maloca of knowledge, graced the Green Zone in the River Boulevard of Cali throughout the COP.
Beyond achievements
Each of these milestones reflects our commitment to biodiversity and the communities that protect it. As a result, we have conserved more than 2.5 million hectares of forest and reduced more than 20 million tons of CO2. This would not be possible without the support of partners, communities and people like you.
Let’s continue together towards an even more sustainable 2025!
Join our mission and be part of the change. Share this message and join us to continue conserving some of the most biodiverse territories on the planet.
Happy Holidays and a 2025 full of Biodiversity, Sustainability and Hope!