Community tourism as a means to advance environmental preservation and create alternatives to migration in the Farallones National Park in Cali, Colombia

Residents of the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park, one of Colombia's protected areas, face the challenge of protecting its biodiversity while addressing a lack of employment opportunities in the area, which has led to the migration of farmers and youth to nearby urban areas, disintegrating community ties, and high economic burdens for women.

The IAF supports community-led solutions to enhance environmental preservation and create opportunity and a sense of belonging for youth.

IAF grantee Corporacin para el Desarrollo del Medio Ambiente (CDMA) is conserving the natural resources of the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park and addressing the increase in local youths emigrating from the area through a community-led project to formalize ecotourism offerings and restore ecosystems.

This grant advances the IAF?s strategic initiative to promote the economic and social inclusion and human rights of historically marginalized populations and is part of the IAF?s broader initiative to build a just and lasting peace in Colombia.