Site Summary

Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park (PNN AFIW) is one of the 62 protected areas administered by Colombia’s National Natural Parks, declared on February 25 by Resolution No. 198 of 2002. Its declaration was an initiative of the Inga people of Caquetá (Yurayaco, San Miguel, Brisas, Niñeras and Agua Blanca Cozumbe Resguardos), and the declaration resolution recognizes the ancestral nature of the Inga people’s territory. AFIW PNN has a physical overlap with the Nasa La Esperanza Reserve (70% of the reserve) in the municipality of Belén de los Andaquíes; in the strip between 900 and 1100 masl, there are peasant farmers who live in and use the protected area, some of them with possession and titles since before the declaration of the protected area. The conservation of the Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park contributes to the conservation of medicinal plant species, as it is one of the most important natural refuges for the Inga people organized in the TANDA association due to its connectivity and ecosystemic continuity between the Amazon and Andean forests. Since the creation of the protected area, progress has been made in the understanding of coordination for the fulfillment of the social function of conservation; thus, the inclusion of the cultural codes of the Inga people in planning and management represents the opportunity to advance in a model of environmental governance of the protected area that is more appropriate for the shared territory, governance that is reflected in: coordination mechanisms, instances to implement joint actions and in inclusive and participatory management strategies where the two authorities can articulate their interests and visions.

Conservation Summary

Good Governance
The governance of the Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park is characterized by a participatory structure that integrates diverse local communities, highlighting the fundamental role of the Inga indigenous communities. The declaration of the PNN was an initiative of the Inga people of Caquetá (Resguardos Yurayaco, San Miguel, Brisas, Niñeras and Agua Blanca Cozumbe), who recognised the ancestral nature of their territory in the resolution. In 2002, the Inter-administrative Agreement for the Coordination of the Public Function of Conservation and Management of the Protected Area was signed, which includes an annual work plan with the Inga people to promote intercultural management of the park. This agreement, which is in force and has no termination date, establishes two coordinating bodies: the steering committee and the local committee. Since 2005, PNN Alto Fragua Indi Wasi has made progress in characterizing the social aspects of families that partially or fully overlap with the protected area. From 2016 onwards, transitional agreements for participatory ecological restoration have been signed with the farming community, who engage in economic activities that transform areas of dense forest or secondary vegetation for temporary or permanent crops or grazing. As of 2024, 201 voluntary restoration agreements have been formalized, with 54 still active. In 2019, the prior consultation process with the Inga people was formalized with agreements that include an action plan to guide and prioritize compliance over five years. In 2023, two interadministrative agreements were signed with the Tandachiridu Inganakuna Indigenous Association to support the implementation and monitoring of these agreements. The park’s governance is strengthened through strategic alliances with governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations, ensuring a robust framework for long-term conservation.

Design and Planning
The design and planning of Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park have integrated both ecological and social considerations, ensuring a holistic approach to area conservation. The park’s management instruments include well-defined zoning, with areas designated for strict protection and zones for sustainable use, balancing biodiversity conservation with local development. However, it is crucial to update these plans to incorporate new scientific data and address emerging threats such as climate change and land use pressure. Additionally, there is a need to enhance the technical capacity of park staff to improve the implementation of conservation strategies. Attention to land use, occupation, and tenure with vulnerable farming communities has helped maintain high ecological integrity of the protected area. Socioeconomic and environmental characterization of farming families has been a key factor in advancing management measures, such as passive ecological restoration agreements and sanitation, covering 773.3217 hectares in conservation and 199.9458 hectares in passive restoration process. Coordination with the Inga people of Caquetá, through prior consultation agreements, not only guarantees their rights but also incorporates cultural codes into the management of the protected area, laying the groundwork for the development of the Special Management Register (REM) and joint resource management for the implementation of conservation measures.

Effective Management
Effective management of PNN Alto Fragua Indi Wasi is based on a robust system of prevention, surveillance, and control designed to address the various pressures affecting its conservation values, enabling the planning and execution of strategic actions to prevent, mitigate, and control threats. The established protocol includes a comprehensive analysis of pressures and threats, defines specific actions that are actively being implemented through surveillance tours by park staff, and utilizes technological tools for managing violations in accordance with current regulations. The implementation of the Prevention, Surveillance, and Control Protocol for PNN Alto Fragua Indi Wasi is organized into several stages, from its formulation to the evaluation of effectiveness. Key actions include: 1. Environmental Education: Educational activities are carried out for various local actors, enhancing awareness and community commitment to park conservation. Initiatives such as “paint the park,” environmental film clubs, and educational talks, coordinated with PRAES IER El Vergel – Bioindi and María Auxiliadora, are prominent in this area. 2. Collaborative Surveillance: Surveillance tours are conducted in collaboration with PNN Cueva de los Guácharos and members of the Inga people of Caquetá, promoting a collaborative approach that increases the effectiveness of area management. Cooperation with local communities, especially the Inga people, has been essential, creating joint routes that highlight the cultural importance of the park and reduce pressure on the protected area. 3. Monitoring and Control: In 2023, satellite images were used to monitor changes in land cover, complementing field actions. Sanctioning procedures have been implemented for environmental violations, with preventive measures and referrals to territorial authorities for proper management. 4. Transparency and Participation: The National Parks website provides detailed information on park management, including regulations, ecosystems, fauna, flora, and environmental services, ensuring transparency and informed participation of stakeholders. This comprehensive and collaborative approach not only strengthens park management but also fosters local community involvement in conservation and area management.

Conservation Results
The Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park (PNN AFIW) exhibits notable ecological integrity in its forest coverage, with 96% of its total area showing very high and high levels of integrity. This integrity encompasses various vegetation types, including the Andean Forest in Fluvio-Erosional Mountain, the Sub-Andean Forest in Fluvio-Erosional Mountain, and the Basal Forest in Fluvio-Erosional Mountain. Only 4% of the area shows very low, low, or medium levels of integrity. Conservation results in the park have been positive, with the preservation of critical habitats and protection of endangered species such as the tapir, the spectacled bear, and the harpy eagle. The continuous presence of these emblematic species indicates that the implemented conservation strategies are having a positive impact. Successful efforts in restoring degraded areas and promoting sustainable resource use practices among local communities are also highlighted. However, significant challenges remain, such as the need for more effective monitoring of biodiversity changes and mitigating threats like illegal activities and agricultural expansion. Regarding the preservation and disturbance indices of PNN AFIW, the period from 2002 to 2019 reports that 98.7% of the area is in a stable state, with 75,247.6 hectares. Only 0.1% of the area is under pressure, with 92.1 hectares; 0.4% is in a recovery state, with 328.4 hectares; and 0.7% is in a transformation state, with 542.5 hectares. These data reflect a generally positive balance in park management, although ongoing efforts are required to address persistent challenges.

Site Visit
The visit to Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park (PNN) highlighted significant advancements in governance, planning, and park management despite existing challenges. The solid progress and commitment of officials to ecological and cultural conservation in the region were evident. The park’s role in supporting sustainable production processes outside the protected area contributes to both internal conservation and the well-being of local communities. The park’s initiatives provide direct benefits to local farming and indigenous communities in the area of influence. These benefits include key ecosystem services such as water provision for human settlements and the aesthetic and recreational value of landscapes, even though their economic value is not quantified. The relationship between the park and local communities is based on mutual respect, effective communication, and a shared interest in preserving nature, reinforcing the park’s role in the IUCN Green List Program. During the visit, the property of María Nelly Pérez in the Fragua Chorroso Sector was strategically selected for interviews with stakeholders. This site, one of the few easily accessible, is key to closely observing conservation and restoration activities led by the park, including land use management, ecological restoration, and projects such as “Protected Areas and Peace.” These initiatives integrate training in non-timber forest products, community monitoring, and sustainable production systems, reflecting a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation. The presence of a farmer delegate from the municipality of Belén de los Andaquíes provided a broader perspective on conservation processes in the region, highlighting the importance of consulting local actors to better understand the impact of conservation initiatives. Despite logistical challenges, park officials demonstrate a high level of commitment to communities, promoting both ecosystem services and environmental education, and fostering strong community engagement in conservation. The interview with the Women Weavers Association, Warmi Adawurkuna, revealed how the park supports the Inga people’s economic initiatives, especially in craft production. Since 2017, the park has supported these activities, which not only strengthen the local economy but also preserve the culture and ancestry of the Inga people. This approach is crucial for the park’s conservation objectives and underscores its commitment to equity and equality in benefit distribution. At the headquarters of the Cabildo Mayor of the Tandachiridu Inganokuna Association, the importance of prior consultation and adherence to the agreements established in the protected area management plan was emphasized. This Association, which groups the five Inga resguardos of Caquetá, has played a fundamental role in conserving the park’s mountains, promoting governance schemes that allow indigenous participation in conservation processes. In conclusion, the Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park (PNN AFIW) stands out as an exemplary model of conservation based on active participation and stakeholder consultation. This integrative approach combines ecological protection with cultural strengthening, demonstrating that ongoing collaboration between the park and local communities is crucial for successful conservation of protected areas and for strengthening socio-environmental links. The park represents a model of sustainable and adaptive management, capable of addressing current and future challenges. It is gratifying to see how the relationship between the park and the communities in its area of influence is based on mutual respect, effective communication, and a shared interest in preserving nature and associated ecological and cultural values. This recognition of the value of nature’s contributions to society reinforces the park’s role in the Green List Program, highlighting its commitment to inclusive and participatory conservation. Furthermore, building alliances with peasant communities and indigenous organizations in the area of influence not only improves the conservation status of the protected area, but also significantly reduces operational costs compared to an approach based solely on control and surveillance. This collaborative strategy has proven to be more effective and sustainable in the long term. We would like to congratulate the park staff, from its director to its officers and contractors, who, with their daily dedication, have shown a strong commitment to the protection of the area and the wellbeing of the local communities, both peasant and indigenous. Their work together makes conservation a shared responsibility and ensures that its benefits are a right accessible to all.

Public Stakeholder Consultation
The public consultation with stakeholders was conducted through a Google form, available from August 12 to August 20, exceeding the 30-day period stipulated in the User Manual. This survey was promoted on the websites of IUCN South America and Colombia’s National Natural Parks (PNN). The management of the form was the responsibility of an EAGL representative, who reviewed the responses and shared the results with the other experts. A total of 29 responses were received from stakeholders from various sectors, demonstrating a strong commitment to the conservation of the protected area. Participants included students, teachers, representatives from mayor’s offices, NGOs, non-governmental organizations, as well as members of peasant and indigenous communities, reflecting the wide range of stakeholders interested in the PNN Alto Fragua Indi Wasi. NGOs and environmental groups, which represented 31.03% of respondents, stood out for their collaboration in the conservation of the park and the recognition of indigenous traditional knowledge. Organizations such as Conservation International, Amazon Conservation Team, and Fundación Tierra Viva have played a crucial role in this area. The academic sector, also accounting for 31.03% of respondents, included teachers and researchers who have collaborated on educational and research projects related to the area. Institutions such as the University of Cauca and the University of the Amazon have emphasized the importance of cooperation with the park to strengthen knowledge and biodiversity conservation. The local community, representing 24.14% of respondents, demonstrated a diversity of ties with the park, highlighting the importance of the park for indigenous and peasant communities, who actively collaborate in conservation and mutually benefit from its management. The public sector, represented by 7%, included authorities from the mayor’s offices of San José del Fragua and Belén de los Andaquíes, who highlighted the support of the National Natural Parks of Colombia in environmental education and natural resource protection. The agricultural and tourism sectors, each representing 3.45%, emphasized the importance of collaboration in sustainable agricultural practices and rural tourism development, respectively. In conclusion, the overall assessment of PNN Alto Fragua Indi Wasi is positive, highlighting its role as an environmental authority and its commitment to conservation, environmental education, and sustainable development. Despite challenges such as its remote location and budget constraints, the park has consolidated its purpose thanks to collaboration with local communities, NGOs, and academia. It is recommended to continue supporting conservation programs, especially in the face of emerging threats such as agricultural expansion and climate change. Inclusion in the Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas could further strengthen its management, facilitating international collaboration and access to additional resources.

Recommendations
As with any protected area, there is always potential for enhancing infrastructure, whether through upgrading facilities, expanding the fleet of vehicles, improving monitoring equipment, or optimizing staff management practices. Expanding the headquarters could provide greater comfort for staff, ensure better-equipped facilities for data analysis and monitoring activities, and accommodate additional vehicles and machinery in the future.
The EAGL recommends documenting the park’s numerous experiences in supporting communities and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental entities. This documentation will not only provide valuable evidence for future recertification processes but also serve as a foundation for new projects that could enhance employment opportunities within the protected area. By addressing these areas, the park can continue to advance its mission of conservation and sustainable development, while fostering stronger partnerships and community engagement.

External Links

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