Rainbow Route Expedition: A Journey of Learning and Conservation
Colombia is a country favored by incredible biodiversity, It is home to nearly 20% of the world’s bird species. These birds play a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and controlling pests. However, many of their habitats, like plateau alpine meadows (páramos) of the Andes and forests, are at risk due to human activities such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and the introduction of invasive species.
Conscious of this situation the Fundación para la Conservación de las Comunidades Biológicas en Colombia (FCCBC) (Foundation for the Conservation of Biological Communities in Colombia), based in Murillo, Tolima, with support from a mini grant provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, launched the Expedición Ruta Arcoíris (Rainbow Route Expedition) project. This initiative aims to connect local communities to their natural surroundings through environmental education, participatory science, and the preservation of oral traditions, thus promoting bird conservation in the region.
Educational Activities
The success of the project was based on collaborations with schools in the region to raise awareness among children and young people about the importance of conserving their ecosystems and wildlife. FCCBC, in partnership with the Institución Educativa Lepanto (Lepanto Educational Institution) in Sabanalarga, Murillo, organized field trips for students. During these trips children explored their surroundings, observed local flora and fauna, and became aware of the importance of their conservation. Guided by teachers and FCCBC experts, they discovered the wonderful natural wealth that surrounds them.
Additionally, FCCBC led birdwatching workshops at the Institución Educativa Amina Melendro (Amina Melendro Educational Institution) in Ibagué, where children used binoculars and applied a structured birdwatching methodology to record their bird observations. Similar experiences were replicated at the Institución Educativa Bolívar (Bolívar Educational Institution) in Santa Isabel, near Los Nevados National Natural Park, and at the Institución Educativa Liceo Colombia (Liceo Colombia Educational Institution) in Ibagué, where students learned about local bird species and the invasive weed Spiny Broom, which is ranked among the 100 most harmful plants in the world for its ability to rapidly colonize areas faster than native species. Through these activities, children and young people strengthened their connection with nature and birds, while gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of their natural heritage. Additionally, participants engaged in participatory science thanks to the birdwatching methods learned during the activities. Thus, they contributed to better understanding bird populations in the country.
Regional and Global Biodiversity Encounters
The impact of Expedición Ruta Arcoíris extended beyond the classroom to the Murillo community, reaching the neighboring town of Villahermosa. The Segundo Encuentro Regional de Semilleros de Observadores de Aves (SOAM and SOAV) (Second Regional Gathering of Birdwatching Clubs) took place over two days, bringing together young people, teachers, and community members. Participants attended talks on biodiversity and went on a field trip to El Oso, where they birdwatched and learned about the importance of the plateau alpine meadows (páramos) of the Andes. The paramos are vital ecosystems in the high altitudes of the Andes, acting as natural sponges that store and release water while supporting an array of unique and endangered species. In addition, participants took part in Global Big Day, a one-day event where birdwatchers from around the world come together to observe and report bird species all day long in May. During this day, participants explored urban areas and wetlands in Murillo, and reported their bird sightings in eBird, which reinforced their commitment to conserving Colombia’s biodiversity.
Thanks to these initiatives, birds become teachers and a bridge that unites communities with their natural environment. Fundación para la Conservación de las Comunidades Biológicas en Colombia expresses its deep gratitude to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for their support through this mini-grant.
Photos courtesy of the Fundación para la Conservación de las Comunidades Biológicas en Colombia