From July 25 to 27, Germany’s ambassador to Colombia, Martina Klumpp, visited Utría National Natural Park to see firsthand the results of the Protected Areas and Biological Diversity Program (APDB) Phase II, funded by the German government through the KfW Development Bank.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess the impact of investments made to strengthen biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, protected area management, and the empowerment of Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities living in the area.
Furthermore, the agenda reaffirmed the mutual commitment to cooperation based on joint efforts, ongoing dialogue, and recognition of the fundamental role of local communities in protecting the natural heritage of the Colombian Pacific.
One of the highlights was the official opening of the Cocalito ecotourism trail, a project that enhances public access to the park, improves trail safety, and promotes responsible nature-based tourism.
Similarly, meetings were held with residents of the Jurubirá district (Nuquí municipality) and the Piqueros community in El Valle district (Bahía Solano). Representatives of the Embera Dóbida people, fishermen’s associations, and Los Delfines, El Cedro, Río Valle, and Los Riscales Community Councils also participated in these meetings.
These events provided a firsthand look at the experiences and lessons learned by those leading conservation efforts, reaffirming that biodiversity protection is built through coordinated efforts among communities, Colombia’s National Natural Parks, and German cooperation.