Press Release
The Community Forests and the Consulate of Colombia in New York Present:
New York, September 2024 – As part of Climate Week NYC 2024, one of the most important global events on climate and sustainability, The Community Forests and the Consulate of Colombia in New York present an exhibition and event highlighting the crucial role of Indigenous communities in protecting the forests of the Colombian Amazon.
Photography Exhibition: The Community Forests: Guardians of the Amazon – A Photographic Tribute
From September 23 to October 23, 2024, the Consulate of Colombia in New York will host a photography exhibition showcasing the deep connection between the Amazonian communities and their land. These communities, guardians of biodiversity, have embraced sustainable practices to protect more than 2 million hectares of rainforest. Though their efforts are often unseen, they are essential for global conservation and climate action.
The exhibition not only displays the natural beauty of the Amazon but also highlights the cultural richness and wisdom of the communities who have safeguarded this land for generations. Their work, supported by the initiative The Community Forests, serves as a model of sustainable development that is both necessary and inspiring. The photographs, taken by Colombian-French artist Niko Jacob (@nikolasjacob), offer a window into these vital landscapes and cultures, emphasizing the dedication and commitment of these communities to preserving their home.
Event: Indigenous-Led Forest Protection in Colombia: A Win-Win Showcase
On Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM, the Consulate of Colombia in New York will host an event where the Huitoto and Muinane communities will share their experiences leading REDD+ projects in Colombia. These projects, certified under the BIOCARBON standard, internationally recognized by ICROA, have preserved more than 2 million hectares of Amazonian ecosystems and reduced more than 15 million tons of CO2, applying global best practices in carbon credits.
In addition to conservation, the REDD+ projects have fostered advancements in social housing, healthcare, and the strengthening of traditional « chagras » (sustainable management systems), as well as governance capacity within traditional self-government mechanisms.
To further these efforts in forest conservation and protecting the Amazon’s megabiodiversity, the Monochoa Indigenous Reserve (Caquetá, Colombia) has began the development of a Biodiversity Credits project, involving renowned scientists and blending traditional knowledge with high-tech methods and tools.
In the event, indigenous leaders Jorge Furagaro, scientist Gerardo Aymard, and a team of experts will share how they have combined modern science with ancestral knowledge to implement these projects in some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
About The Community Forests
The Community Forests is an initiative focused on preserving some of the most biodiverse forests on the planet, working in partnership with more than 30 Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Colombia. Through REDD+ carbon offset projects, they have preserved over 2.5 million hectares of forest and contributed to the reduction of more than 20 million tons of CO2. While conservation is a key focus, the initiative also emphasizes empowering communities by promoting local governance, economic sustainability, and the preservation of their cultural heritage. The Community Forests also includes the development and implementation of Biodiversity Credits projects, with active participation from local community members.
Context: COP 16 on Biodiversity in Colombia
These events are happening at a pivotal time for Colombia, which will host the COP 16 on Biodiversity from October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali. This conference marks a milestone in the global conservation agenda and reinforces Colombia’s leadership in protecting its natural heritage. During COP 16, an update will be presented on the progress of the Monochoa Indigenous Reserve’s Biodiversity Credits project.
Key Links
Exhibition:
The Community Forests: Guardians of the Amazon – A Photographic Tribute (Climate Week)
Indigenous Communities Event:
Indigenous-driven Protection of Forests in Colombia: A Win-Win Showcase
Official Website:
www.thecommunityforests.com
Climate Week NYC:
www.climateweeknyc.org
For more information, please contact:
Juan Daniel Correa Salazar
Director of Strategic Alliances, Media, and Communications
The Community Forests
Phone: +57 310 213 28 42
Email: forests@thecommunityforests.com
LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile