A Call to Action: Conserving Avian Biodiversity in the Central Andes of Colombia

The National Audubon Society develops strategic actions for the protection of birds and their habitats across the Americas through scientific research programs, environmental education, and conservation. Its organizational structure —composed of state programs, nature centers, chapters, and an extensive network of partners— enables it to reach millions of people each year, strengthening community engagement and social support for conservation.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) works collaboratively with multiple partners to ensure the conservation of wildlife and the essential ecosystems for their survival, with the aim of generating sustainable benefits for society on a continental scale. Through the Migratory Bird Program, the agency promotes research on population dynamics, habitat requirements, and public participation mechanisms, and encourages the implementation of national and international conservation plans and initiatives.

Based on these complementary goals, Audubon and the USFWS have coordinated efforts and resources for the implementation of the project "Development of a Framework for Community Conservation of Three Priority Migratory Bird Species in the Central Andes of Colombia": the Prothonotary Warbler (Setophaga cerulea), the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), and the Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis). This initiative constituted the initial phase of a conservation program aimed at reducing habitat degradation and restoring critically important areas for migratory birds and other associated species. Contemporary conservation approaches emphasize the importance of strengthening awareness and community participation through educational processes and the development of alternative livelihoods, key elements for improving habitat management and ensuring the effective implementation of conservation actions.

The execution of the project allowed for the strengthening of capacities in regional institutions and local communities, focusing on aspects such as conservation management, knowledge of avifauna, participatory monitoring, and habitat restoration, promoting a model of sustainable technical collaboration.

This publication presents the results of the analyses and processes developed within the project framework, with an emphasis on Objective 2 (“Participatory Management for Conservation”), and offers recommendations aimed at consolidating conservation actions for migratory and resident birds in the Central Andes of Colombia.

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