Since ancient times, human communities have used the construction of agreements as a key strategy to ensure conservation and balance in their interactions with the environment.
These agreements arise from the need to correct relationships that, due to their imbalance, cause harm to an individual, a group, or even an entire ecosystem. When these forms of interaction prove harmful, it becomes essential to rethink principles, establish clear rules, and define ways of acting that promote harmony, ensuring an exchange where giving and receiving benefit all parties involved.
Photo: Ángela Álviz
A conservation agreement is understood as the pact made voluntarily and jointly between PVS (Proyecto Vida Silvestre) and landowners. The owners commit to contributing, such as designating part of their properties for conservation. In return, they receive advice on various topics, some of which are related to improving farm productivity or interacting with predators like the jaguar.
The scope of these agreements is reflected in the achievement of conservation goals on a property, a micro-watershed, a watershed, or even a landscape. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond those who sign the agreements. Their utility also impacts third parties.
During PVS's 10 years, a total of 166 conservation agreements have been signed, protecting 67,660 hectares across 3 landscapes. In the Llanos Orientales, 49 agreements have been signed (45,185 hectares); in Magdalena Medio, 63 agreements, covering 15,936 protected hectares; and in Putumayo, 54 agreements, covering 924 hectares. Today, there are 118 active conservation agreements across the three landscapes, covering a total of 34,530 hectares.
These conservation agreements are also signed with the aim of developing appropriate actions to protect 15 key species in the PVS landscapes, promoting the conservation of their habitats, and reducing pressures such as deforestation and hunting.
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