Conservation of 6 endemic tree species in the upper basin of the Magdalena River in Colombia

Conservation of 6 endemic threatened tree species in the upper basin of the Magdalena River in Colombia

Partner: San Jorge Botanical Garden
Years: 2024-2027

The main goal of this project is to safeguard 6 tree species which are endemic to Colombia and globally threatened, Mayna suaveolens (EN), Ampelocera albertiae (EN), Erythroxylum cassinoides (EN), Gustavia latifolia (EN), Aspidosperma polyneuron (EN), and Cephalotomandra fragrans (EN). Specifically, the project contributes to the recovery of their populations through propagation, monitoring of seedlings, phenology of each of these species, and active restoration.

Cephalotomandra fragrans(EN)

San Jorge Botanical Garden has been opened to the public since 2000, it has 60 hectares of sub Andean forest. Since its inception, the San Jorge Botanical Garden has led several projects focused on the protection of plants, together with public and private entities. This project is implemented in the dry region of the Magdalena River valley, Colombia. It is closely aligned with the National Strategy for Plant Conservation.
The main objective of the grant is to contribute to the increase in the populations of 6 globally threatened tree species endemic to Colombia.
Specifically, the project will (i) produce 500 seedlings and phenological monitoring per species, considering environmental variables; (ii) contribute to the recovery of the populations of the target species through a planting program of the propagated individuals, monitoring their survival; (iii) expand the distribution areas of these species within the localities; (iv) raise awareness and involve the local community in the conservation of the target species through local outreach campaigns, workshops and training; and (v) generate a baseline of information that can be published and shared with different social actors and with the scientific community.