Alliances for the Forest

Colombia’s cloud forests are mountainous ecosystems where clouds and mist constantly come into contact with the vegetation. Thanks to the humidity, plants can absorb all the water from the air. They grow on top of one another, meaning that a single tree can harbour thousands of species that spend their entire lives without ever touching the ground; furthermore, these plants act as natural sponges, capturing moisture from the air to filter and supply fresh water to the rivers. Unfortunately, in northern Antioquia, these ecosystems are being cleared to make way for cattle pasture. This practice dates back to colonial times and remains a common way of making a living.

To ensure that the cloud forest in this area is permanently protected, the Magnolios Foundation, in partnership with the Corporación Salvamontes, has established the Los Magnolios Nature Reserve in the Cordillera Central mountain range. Once we have secured the land, we let nature take over. Because the area is so humid and lush, nature regenerates here faster than in almost anywhere else on the planet. For the rarest species that need a helping hand, our rangers collect seeds to grow them in a nursery before replanting them in the wild.

Planet Wild and Ecosia joined forces with the Magnolios Foundation to help protect the cloud forest. They provided financial support to enable us to purchase 53 hectares of land to expand our reserve. They also funded the salaries of two forest rangers, as well as the equipment and training for the rangers who explore the forest to collect endemic seeds, such as those of the magnolia species (polyhypsophylla, guatapensis and yarumalensis).

Planet Wild is building a global community of people who care deeply about the planet. Every month, they partner with a new organisation from anywhere in the world to help save endangered species, protect our oceans and restore forests. Planet Wild’s work is made possible by contributions from its community members. All projects are documented through monthly videos, such as the one they made about our work.

So if you’re interested in supporting environmental projects around the world, visit their website and become a member. And if you’re already a Planet Wild member and have downloaded their app, don’t forget to vote for our project in July – that way, you’ll help us secure additional support.