Andean Biotrade Project promotes Nature Tourism in Colombia

(Bogota, February 12th, 2014)-. The GEF-CAF-UNEP Andean Bio-Trade Project will promote nature tourism by strengthening 20 initiatives focused on Colombia's natural, social, and cultural value, which seeks a more competitive and attractive country for different international markets.

In 2014, with the support of CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, the GEF-CAF-UNEP Andean Bio-Trade Program expects to complete a learning mission where the suppliers gain knowledge on the ecotourism offer of countries such as Ecuador or Peru so that, through ongoing exchange, knowledge of the operation and cooperation may be strengthened in order to offer the region as a unique and quality tourism destination.  

Through the project, research and work has been carried out with communities for the protection of resources and ecosystems that are strategic for the nation in regions such as Boyaca, the Caribbean coast, Islas del Rosario, Choco, Cundinamarca and Santander, where there are more than 22 thousand hectares in use and under conservation where ecotourism and environmental sensitization activities are carried out.

At the same time, the ecotourism activity in pilot areas has created more than 166 employments, benefitting approximately 213 families, with a presence in the local, regional, and international markets.  

The ecosystems in which the Project may be applied range from glaciers and tundra to humid tropic forests, allowing for the offer of a tourism product which is motivated by its natural variety.