Una Casa Para Zambo – Por el derecho a los bosques

WHAT IS "UNA CASA PARA ZAMBO"?

In February 2014, we spotted Zambo for the first time in the forests at the border between Boyacá and Casanare, Colombia. It was a great surprise for us to find it here, as he had never been seen it in this area of Colombia before. Zambo is a White-bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth) and is endangered of extinction.

This monkey plays an irreplaceable role as a seed disperser in the forests, so its conservation favors the presence of many other species of animals and plants that are also part of this ecosystem.

The forest where Zambo lives is strongly threatened because it is the source of livelihood for the communities living in this area. They use the forest to grow their food, build their houses and prepare their meals. In addition, the water consumed by thousands of people living in the region is regulated by these forests.

If Zambo and the forest disappear, our own existence will be at risk. Therefore, this project is definitely an opportunity to avoid future environmental crises that push us to the limits of well-being.

To guarantee a home for Zambo is to guarantee a home for all of us.

WHAT IS GOING ON?

IN 2019 WE RECORDED ZAMBO ESCAPING AFTER A FOREST FIRE IN PAYA, BOYACÁ.

DEFORESTATION AND THE LOSS OF ECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR BIODIVERSITY IS CLOSELY LINKED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS WE ARE FACING. IT IS NOT ONLY ZAMBO AND ITS FORESTS THAT ARE AT RISK, BUT THE HUMAN SPECIES AS WELL.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

These forest fragments are guarding what is probably one of the last populations of spider monkeys in the foothills of Boyacá and Casanare.

We believe that synergies enhance our efforts, so join our project and be part of “Una casa para Zambo”.

WHAT WOULD YOU SUPPORT?

The conservation of these forests is urgent, as it would ensure the survival not only of large primates like Zambo, but also of other species living there, including humans. In this regard, the project is our effort to create and develop strategies that link the conservation of these forests and of Zambo with the socio-cultural dynamics of this place. We do this through the following three components:

Science

In order to conserve a species it is essential to know it. For this reason one of the main components of “Una casa para Zambo” is scientific work and research. Therefore, we are looking for resources and alliances that allow us to continue learning about important aspects such as: the size of its population, the composition of its family and the food that the forest offers for it.

Geographical and altitudinal range extension of white-bellied spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth) in the northern Andes of Colombia

Social

Conservation of the forest requires that we engage with those who live around the forest. Together we need to develop alternatives that allow the coexistence of Zambo and the community. Together we are looking for ways to transform their agricultural and livestock systems, reduce the use of firewood and wood as well as strengthen their food sovereignty.

Conservation

In the forest there are conservation agreements for production until the year 2024, it is urgent to continue and extend these agreements and to initiate ecological restoration processes that will allow the extension and maintenance of the house for Zambo, i.e. the house for all.