Brief description of the project 

The project seeks to promote the registration of the Sarabando River micro-basin as a special management area under the figure of Other Effective Conservation Measures (OMEC) to strengthen territorial planning, water governance, sustainable management and the conservation of bird diversity in the municipality of Belén de los Andaquíes, Caquetá. 

Implementation period: September 23, 2024 to December 23, 2025

Funders:
– Bezos Earth Fund
– Global Affairs Canada
– BirdLife International
– Latin American and Caribbean Environmental Funds Network (RedLAC).

– Action Fund

Implementing organizations:

-ICLEI Colombia
– Living Earth Foundation

Territory(ies) where it was implemented: Belén de los Andaquíes, Caquetá

Products developed:

• Supporting document for the OMEC area nomination
• Community bird monitoring plan
• Capacity building program “SOWING KNOWLEDGE: TRAINING CYCLE IN SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTIVE PEASANT PRACTICES”
• Sarabando Community Management Environmental Area Management Plan
• Financial Sustainability Plan for the Sarabando Community Environmental Management Area

Key results:

• 24 camera traps and 6 audio mouth recorders were installed in 5 villages of the Sarabando River micro-basin
• A group of 35 local biodiversity monitors was formed who received a series of training sessions on the handling of wildlife monitoring equipment. 
• A peasant association, ASOCASA “Sarabando Peasant Association”, was formed.”
• The Sarabando Community Management Environmental Area was nominated as an OMEC area before the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.
• 27 learning trails were installed and 7 nesting areas were identified.
• 263 bird species were identified, of which 2 are threatened, 13 are migratory and 15 have restricted distribution.
• 30 farmers were trained in sustainable production practices.
• Three businesses were supported through four technical advisory sessions.
• An agroforestry arrangement was made where cacao, plantain, guamo, cherimoya and yucca were planted.
• Fifteen technologically advanced beehives were delivered for native bees.