With the imminent arrival of El Niño, many of these mammals could become trapped as water bodies shrink or even die. At least 120 fishers from nine local associations in the Middle Magdalena region carry out ongoing community monitoring to enable a timely response to potential emergencies. The effort covers at least 33 water bodies and six wetland complexes. To date, they have logged more than 8,076 hours of monitoring, while also supporting the regional Manatee Stranding Network.

Andrés Suárez has turned his deep connection to Las Hermosas Canyon, in Colombia’s Tolima department, into a source of inspiration for himself and others, seeking to contribute to the conservation of its natural resources. Today, he restores forests and protects threatened tree species while teaching younger and current generations about the importance of caring for nature and the responsibility that comes with it.