Conservation of Colombian Walnut and Other Threatened Trees from Andean Forests

Conservation and Restoration of Colombian Walnut (Juglans neotropica) and Other Native Threatened Tree Species from Andean Forests

Partner: Wildlife Conservation Society
Years: 2021-2024 & 2025-2027

This project aims to enhance the protection and conservation of six threatened tree species and other native and threatened tree species in Amoyá, Cucuana, and Siquila sub-basins of the Saldaña River. It targets the Endangered Colombian walnut (Juglans neotropica), and five Vulnerable species (Cedrela montana, Ceroxylon quindiuense, Prumnopitys montana, Retrophyllum rospigliosii, and Cedrela odorata) whose populations suffer from the expansion of cattle ranching and habitat destruction. Project activities include community engagement, seed source identification, propagation, in situ conservation, and species restoration at the population level.

Juglans neotropica (EN)

The expected goals of this project include enhancing in situ conservation processes through the establishment of voluntary conservation agreements, advocating for and supporting the nomination and declaration of conservation areas (Private Protected Areas, OECMs), expanding restoration areas and ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the plantations initiated during a first phase of the project.
Within the project nurseries, and with the assistance of trained local labour, the propagation of 10,000 new seedlings will be undertaken (8,000 of threatened tree species and 2,000 plants of accompanying species), which will be planted to bolster the viability of future populations.
The anticipated results are expected to contribute to Colombia’s action plan for the conservation of threatened trees and increase community participation through citizen science activities.