Restoring the biodiversity corridor in the Andes: TUI Care Foundation launches TUI Forest Colombia
Three-year initiative will plant 123,000 native trees across 112 hectares, creating vital habitat for endangered species including the spectacled bear
Project combines native reforestation with agroforestry to support 150 families in local farming communities whilst protecting critical Andean ecosystems
Project is launched as part of TUI Care Foundation’s ‘Forest February’, which emphasises the global importance of reforestation
To address these challenges, the TUI Care Foundation has launched TUI Forest Colombia, a three-year initiative that blends native reforestation with agroforestry to protect local ecosystems and support local farming communities. In partnership with Global Forest Generation, Asociación Ecosistemas Andinas (ECOAN) and Ecotropics, the project aims to restore 112 hectares of degraded high Andean Forest through the planting of 123,000 trees. Agroforestry mixes typical agricultural products such as coffee, cacao and vanilla with native shrubs and trees that provide shade, improve soil quality, create habitat for biodiversity, and retain water so that land stays fertile and productive for farmers. This approach allows conservation of standing forests whilst providing sustainable income for farming families. The restored area will also be weeded, fenced and irrigated as needed for the purpose.
A key component of the project is the construction of a nursery for 30,000 trees which will serve as both a production facility and an educational centre for local communities and visitors. Three species will be planted, including the rare Polylepis frontinensis, which are all native to the region and highly productive in terms of carbon capture – and therefore crucial for ecosystem restoration.
The project will also have a positive impact on endemic animals by protecting and restoring a biodiversity corridor of approximately 60,000 hectares. TUI Forest Colombia is home to four endangered animal species that are being monitored in the area, including the spectacled bear, the cougar, the jaguar and the ocelot.
The project will directly benefit 150 families in Urrao. Twenty families will immediately benefit through employment in nursery construction and management, with a further 100 part-time and 17 full-time jobs created across the three-year period. Training workshops in plant propagation, sustainable agriculture and forest management will be held throughout each year, with 400 community members expected to participate in restoration and conservation activities.
An innovative aspect of the project is the development of nature-based tourism experiences that connect visitors to restoration activities. The nursery will feature an awareness centre providing educational information about the project, whilst nature trails and bird-watching opportunities will offer visitors meaningful engagement with conservation work. Environmental education will be central to the project's approach, with workshops planned for local communities and schools.
This project is part of Acción Andina, the largest ecosystem restoration initiative in South America. TUI Forest Colombia joins TUI Forest Peru, another TUI Care Foundation supported project within the Acción Andina network, creating a regional approach to high Andean forest restoration that benefits communities, whilst also addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
The TUI Care Foundation's ‘Forest February’ is a month of activities dedicated to reforestation. Through a series of project launches and educational activities, it emphasises the importance of community-managed reforestation solutions and sustainable agro-forestry tourism practices to safeguard forest ecosystems for local communities and generations to come.
About the TUI Care Foundation
Building on the potential of tourism as a force for good, the TUI Care Foundation supports and initiates projects which create new opportunities and contribute to thriving communities in tourism destinations all over the world. Connecting holidaymakers to good causes, it supports education and training opportunities for young people; drives the protection of natural habitats and the marine environment; and helps local communities to thrive sustainably and benefit from tourism. The TUI Care Foundation builds on strong partnerships with local and international organisations to create meaningful and long-lasting impact. The independent charitable organisation was founded by TUI, one of the world's leading tourism businesses, and is based in the Netherlands. Website: www.tuicarefoundation.com
About Global Forest Generation
Global Forest Generation unites local conservation leaders and their communities across national boundaries to bring back the world's lost forests – for water, wildlife, culture, and the health of the planet. As lead strategic partner of Acción Andina, Global Forest Generation provides critical coordination, capacity building, and funding to support local organisations in restoring degraded forest ecosystems at scale. The organisation champions the vision and expertise of on-the-ground partners, creating an ecosystem of collaboration that delivers tangible and lasting solutions for forest restoration.
About ECOAN
Asociación Ecosistemas Andinas (ECOAN), co-lead of Acción Andina, is a non-governmental non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of endangered species of forests of Queuña in the mountains of Cusco, working hand in hand with the local communities. As Acción Andina’s lead agency, ECOAN ensures quality project management, data collection and monitoring, and coordinates local partner communications to resolve day-to-day operational challenges and facilitate information exchange among partners.
About Ecotropics
Fundación Ecotropics Colombia is a non-profit organisation led by scientists and academics with decades of experience in agriculture and international development. Ecotropics develops educational programmes for farmers in sustainable agriculture, implements forest ecosystem restoration projects, and installs renewable energy systems for improved farm management. The organisation focuses on empowering farming communities with techniques to sustain their livelihoods long-term whilst protecting Colombia's rich biodiversity.
