IUCN Green List Los Katíos National Natural Park

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Los Katíos National Natural Park
Parque Nacional Natural Los Katíos

First Listed

2024

Area
779,67 km²

Why is it Green Listed?

Los Katíos National Natural Park (PNNK), with an area of 77,968.20 hectares, is located in northwestern Colombia, in the region known as Bajo Atrato and Darién (Darién and Urabá), in the jurisdiction of the departments of Chocó: municipalities of Unguía (1.08%) and Riosucio (82.32%); and Antioquia: municipality of Turbo (16.60%) (PPNC). The Darién region is linked to the Pacific, Caribbean and Northwestern Andes regions. From a biogeographical point of view, the Darién is a biota (fauna and flora) exchange bridge between North and South America, with a concentration of regional and local endemisms. The entire protected area is part of the great Atrato River basin, which crosses it in a south-north direction on its way to the Gulf of Urabá. The river crosses the protected area for approximately 35 km (Pintor, 1986). The park’s hydrological system is part of the lower Atrato River basin.

Los Katíos Park is registered as an IBA (Important Bird Area) with the code CO 019, with one bird in the Endangered category (EN), two in the Vulnerable category (VU) and five in the Near Threatened category (NT) and was inscribed as World Natural Heritage in the minutes of the 28th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, held in Phuket, Thailand from December 12 to 17, 1994, due to its strategic position, the quality of Katíos NP’s ecosystems, its great supply of environmental goods and services such as CO2 sink, water regulation, protection against erosion, conservation and protection of biological and cultural diversity, recreation, environmental education, and tourism. In June 2009 Los Katíos National Natural Park was included in the List of World Heritage in Danger at the request of the Colombian Government to manage threats to its protection, especially deforestation, unauthorized settlements, illegal fishing, and hunting (https://en.unesco.org/news/colombia-s-katios-national-park-removed-list-heritage-danger). During the following years, Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia developed a corrective measures scheme called “Plan Choque” (Shock Plan), composed of a series of strategic actions. After almost six (6) years, with Decision 39 COM 7A. of July 19, 2015, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decides to “Remove Los Katíos National Park of Colombia from the List of World Heritage in Danger”, due to significant improvements in the management of the Park, in recognition of the measures taken by the national authorities to reduce illegal logging and overfishing.

Photo Credit – Archivo Parques Nacionales Colombia

Key Achievements

Conservation

Los Katíos NNP has the results of the ecological integrity analysis, carried out in 2018 and 2022, based on the multitemporal analysis of the period 2012-2017 and later, 2019, for three of the values subject to coarse filter conservation associated with natural cover. The results indicate that the PA is in a desirable state, evidence that, it has very high values in terms of size and extent of dense forests, lagoons and natural wetlands, in addition, its functional connectivity is high, which guarantees the flow of species, matter and energy between the different types of ecosystem.
The declaration of Los Katíos NNP as a PA allows for the conservation of large flora and fauna refuges and the continuity of the biological corridor between the north and south of the country. The park is the only national PA between the Darién and Urabá regions; it includes a swamp complex, alluvial plain forests and a complete and uninterrupted sequence towards the forests of the Serranía del Darién; it is located in the biological passage between the south and the north of America and represents the transition between the geographical province of the Chocó and the Caribbean; together with El Darién National Park in Panama, they constitute the most important extension of lowland forests that are conserved in Central America.
UNESCO declared Los Katíos National Park a World Heritage Site in 1994 due to its large supply of environmental goods and services such as CO2 sinks, water regulation, protection against erosion, conservation and protection of biological and cultural diversity, recreation, environmental education and tourism. In June 2009 it was included in the List of World Heritage in Danger at the request of the Colombian Government to manage threats to its protection, especially deforestation, unauthorized settlements, illegal fishing and hunting (https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/colombias-los-katios-national-park-removed-list-heritage-danger). After almost six (6) years, in 2015 it was removed from the In Danger list, following the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee.

Good governance

In the framework of the Special Management Regime (REM) signed in 2016 with the Juin Phubuur community of the Wounan people, a decision-making body was established, responsible for guiding and making decisions on the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the REM; and a technical body, which is of a local operational nature, in which the procedures for the implementation of the REM are established.
In 2005, Los Katíos NP signed agreements 001 and 002 with the Integral Community Council of Atrato, which were signed in the framework of the fishing regulations and provide the basis for new agreements. In 2012, the specific agreement on the use and management of hydrobiological resources and fishing activities in the Tumaradó marshes was signed. In 2014, the agreement for the use and management of hydrobiological resources was signed with the Consejo Mayor de la cuenca del río Cacarica. There has been an agreement of wills signed since 2015 between Los Katíos NP and the Bijao community, with the purpose of reducing pressures within the protected area for the use of ecologically, economically, and environmentally important forest species and to contribute to organizational strengthening.
Los Katíos NNP has a Local Consultation Table of the Uramba Regional Agreement, which generates a space for consultation with representatives of the community councils of black communities adjacent to the protected area and institutions with environmental responsibility. The community councils La Larga Tumaradó, Bocas del Atrato and Leoncito, Mayor del Bajo Atrato, Cacarica River Basin, Codechocó and Corpourabá are members of this committee. In addition, there is a Regional Roundtable formed by the authorities of the black peoples and National Natural Parks, which serves as a mechanism for guidance and monitoring of the implementation of the agreements in the direction of building a territorial policy in the Pacific territory-region.

Community benefits

PA management is oriented with processes of recognition of territorial and ethnic rights of indigenous and black communities, the right to use natural resources, the development of their cultural, ancestral and spiritual practices, which are compatible and contribute to the conservation of the protected area, aspects that are framed in the REM signed with the community of Juin Phubuur, and in the Use and Management Agreements with the communities of Tumaradó and Puente América, and the agreement of wills with the community of Bijao.
Within the framework of the Agreements for the Use and Management of Hydrobiological Resources, signed with the black communities of Puente América and Tumaradó, we have contributed to the management and regulation of fishing activities. In the analysis of the information collected, it was found that when reviewing the percentage of individuals caught below the minimum catch size, it was identified that all species are at a satisfactory level, which is clear evidence of compliance with the minimum catch sizes and the aspects agreed upon in the use and management agreements (Palacio, 2023).
The Local Sustainable Development budget program has strengthened the traditional knowledge of the black communities of Bijao, Puente América and Tumaradó, and the indigenous community of Juin Phubuur. In the case of the Bijao community, 65 families benefited from the establishment of an agroforestry production system based on traditional forms of cultivation, use and traditional exploitation of the soil. With the communities of Puente América and Tumaradó, the initiative is focused on strengthening the provision of ecotourism and community tourism services, benefiting 27 families in Puente América and 12 families in Tumaradó. And with the indigenous community, farming practices have been developed since ancestral times, benefiting 72 families.

Site Attributes

WDPA ID

142

Size

779,67 km²

IUCN Category

II - National Park

Year Established

1974

Marine Protected Area

Governance Type

Federal or national ministry or agency

Site Agency

Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia

Site Manager

Gloria Teresita Serna Alzate

Application

09 Apr 2023

EAGL Evaluation

30 Aug 2024

GL Committee Submission

10 Sep 2024

EAGL Chair

Sandra Valenzuela

ASI Reviewer

Carlos Escobar

Site Summary

Los Katíos National Natural Park (PNNK), with an area of 78,254.90 hectares, is located in northwestern Colombia, in the region known as Bajo Atrato and Darién (Darién and Urabá), in the jurisdiction of the departments of Chocó: municipalities of Unguía (1.08%) and Riosucio (82.32%); and Antioquia: municipality of Turbo (16.60%) (PPNC). The Darién region is linked to the Pacific, Caribbean and Northwestern Andes regions. From a biogeographical point of view, the Darién is a biota (fauna and flora) exchange bridge between North and South America, with a concentration of regional and local endemisms. The entire protected area is part of the great Atrato River basin, which crosses it in a south-north direction on its way to the Gulf of Urabá. The river crosses the protected area for approximately 35 km (Pintor, 1986). The park’s hydrological system is part of the lower Atrato River basin. Los Katíos Park is registered as an IBA (Important Bird Area) with the code CO 019, with one bird in the Endangered category (EN), two in the Vulnerable category (VU) and five in the Near Threatened category (NT) and was inscribed as World Natural Heritage in the minutes of the 28th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, held in Phuket, Thailand from December 12 to 17, 1994, due to its strategic position, the quality of Katíos NP’s ecosystems, its great supply of environmental goods and services such as CO2 sink, water regulation, protection against erosion, conservation and protection of biological and cultural diversity, recreation, environmental education, and tourism.

1. Natural Values

MONITORING OF VALUES

THRESHOLDS OF SUCCESS

CONDITION OF VALUES

SUMMARY OF TRENDS AND RESULTS

1. Coarse filter conservation values associated with cover: 1. High dense upland forest.

1. High dense upland forest: This coverage did not present decrease or loss in 2017 and 2019, it had a gain of 1 km2, understood as change between natural forest cover, or areas that in 2017 did not have forests and in the 2019 period report this coverage. In the 2018-2020 period, a decrease in area of 0.16% was found.

1. Values subject to coarse filter, have pressure and status indicators. As pressure indicators, there is “Average annual rate of forest loss”, which is done for the total forest cover in the protected area. For grassland cover, there is an “Average annual rate of grassland loss” and for Arracachal cover, there is an “Average annual rate of Arracachal loss. As status indicators, the following were established: change in high dense terra firme forest, change in high dense floodable forest and change in floodable grassland. The thresholds defined for both pressure indicators and status indicators were taken from the ranges established in the anthropic cover program of the National Natural Parks of Colombia - PNNC, where the satisfactory level is less than 5% loss, acceptable level is between 5% and 10% loss, and critical level is greater than 10% loss.2. Chavarria: No management ranges have been defined to show changes in the population over time, however, in its monitoring, the status indicator “Number of records of Chauna chavarria” was defined, where the recorded data will be used to determine the baseline.

1. Target values associated with hedges: There is monitoring information from two time series (2017 - 2019 and 2018 - 2020), but this information is not sufficient to establish a trend analysis. It is expected to have information from the last period evaluated (2020 - 2022), to make the respective analysis.

2. High dense floodable forest

2. High dense floodable forest: This coverage did not show a decrease or loss in 2017 and 2019. In 2018-2020, it was found that the coverage remained with the same area.

3. Dense flooded dense grassland

3. Dense floodable dense grassland: Between 2017-2019, no changes were found. In 2018-2020, it was found at a satisfactory level, it is evident that this ecosystem is in a state of recovery.

4. Arracachal Fine filter conservation values

4. Arracachal: It remained unchanged between 2017 - 2019. In the 2018-2020 analysis, an increase of almost 30% of the coverage was found, suggesting a significant recovery process. 1. Values subject to coarse filter, have pressure and status indicators. As pressure indicators, there is “Average annual rate of forest loss”, which is done for the total forest cover in the protected area. For grassland cover, there is an “Average annual rate of grassland loss” and for Arracachal cover, there is an “Average annual rate of Arracachal loss. As status indicators, the following were established: change in high dense terra firme forest, change in high dense floodable forest and change in floodable grassland. The thresholds defined for both pressure indicators and status indicators were taken from the ranges established in the anthropic cover program of the National Natural Parks of Colombia - PNNC, where the satisfactory level is less than 5% loss, acceptable level is between 5% and 10% loss, and critical level is greater than 10% loss.

5. Chavarría

5. Chavarria: No management ranges have been defined to show changes in the population over time, however, in its monitoring, the status indicator “Number of records of Chauna chavarria” was defined, where the recorded data will be used to determine the baseline.

Chavarría: This target value is in the process of collecting baseline information. The monitoring of chavarria has been carried out during 2019, 2021 to 2023, however, the sampling methodology used in 2019 is different from the other years, so the results are not comparable, since the indicator, for this year, was related to abundance, and in subsequent years, it was changed to number of records. Between 2021 and 2022, although sampling was carried out in the same number of months, the results do not correspond. It is hoped that, with the sampling for 2023, which are being consolidated, it will be possible to compare data. With the information generated, progress is being made in the consolidation of the baseline, and with the continuity of monitoring and analysis of the information generated, it is planned to establish trend analyses to identify changes in the chavarria population.

2. Ecosystem Service Values

MONITORING OF VALUES

THRESHOLDS OF SUCCESS

CONDITION OF VALUES

SUMMARY OF TRENDS AND RESULTS

1. Lentic and lotic systems The PA has an extensive drainage network, among which the Cacarica River, Tendal, Tilupo, a stretch of the Atrato River and the Tumaradó swamp complex stand out. In addition to the affectations and pressures that support the T622/2016 ruling, other bodies of water such as the Cacarica River with natural and anthropic processes due to pressures such as destabilization of the banks, agricultural crops, livestock and deforestation, may be presenting changes at the physical and chemical level, which are important to determine and thus be able to take actions against the development of such activities, especially considering the importance of this for hydrobiological resources; Likewise, in the case of the Tumaradó swamp complex and its interaction with the León River. Other bodies of water such as the Tendal River, although not currently under anthropic pressure, is 1. Lentic and lotic systems The PA has an extensive drainage network, among which the Cacarica River, Tendal, Tilupo, a stretch of the Atrato River and the Tumaradó swamp complex stand out. In addition to the affectations and pressures that support the T622/2016 ruling, other bodies of water such as the Cacarica River with natural and anthropic processes due to pressures such as destabilization of the banks, agricultural crops, livestock and deforestation, may be presenting changes at the physical and chemical level, which are important to determine and thus be able to take actions against the development of such activities, especially considering the importance of this for hydrobiological resources; Likewise, in the case of the Tumaradó swamp complex and its interaction with the León River. Other bodies of water such as the Tendal River, although not currently under anthropic pressure, is an important natural resource, which is monitored to guarantee the preservation of the resource, achieve early detection of any impacts and maintain ecosystem services in the PA.

In 2023, 4 sites and 10 stations were sampled and found: Temperature (T): In all water bodies, the temperature was at levels typical of tropical water bodies, presenting an overall average of 29.5°C. Oxide reduction potential (ORP): The water bodies showed values between 54 and 200 millivolts, with the lowest values in the Perancho River. These values are considered to be in the positive range and imply that the environment has a tendency to oxidize. PH: General average value of 8 pH units, and oscillation between 7.8 and 9.66. A pH range in a tropical river environment indicates slightly alkaline to alkaline water. Percent Oxygen Saturation (%OD): Values above 70%; values taken on the Perancho River and the mouth of the Cacarica River showed values below 50%. Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The majority of the bodies presented values higher than 5 mg/L. However, the mouth of the Cacarica River and the samples on the In 2023, 4 sites and 10 stations were sampled and found: Temperature (T): In all water bodies, the temperature was at levels typical of tropical water bodies, presenting an overall average of 29.5°C. Oxide reduction potential (ORP): The water bodies showed values between 54 and 200 millivolts, with the lowest values in the Perancho River. These values are considered to be in the positive range and imply that the environment has a tendency to oxidize. PH: General average value of 8 pH units, and oscillation between 7.8 and 9.66. A pH range in a tropical river environment indicates slightly alkaline to alkaline water. Percent Oxygen Saturation (%OD): Values above 70%; values taken on the Perancho River and the mouth of the Cacarica River showed values below 50%. Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The majority of the bodies presented values higher than 5 mg/L. However, the mouth of the Cacarica River and the samples on the Perancho River showed values below 4 mg/L. Electro-Conductivity (EC): Electroconductivity levels higher than 100 microsiemens per centimeter, which means that the electroconductivity is higher and has the presence of salts and other solutes in the water. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The sampled water bodies presented values above 90 mg/L. Salinity (Salt): They ranged between 0.3-0.7 parts per thousand, which is common in aquatic ecosystems. Turbidity: They ranged between 198 and 1482 Nephelometric Turbidity Units, with the lowest levels in the Tendal and Tendalito waterfalls and the highest in the Perancho River. Flow (Q): The value is 195 liters/second; since there is no other intra- or inter-annual reference, it is necessary to continue estimating it in order to denote changes between climatic seasons and years.

1. Lentic and lotic systems In limnological monitoring, the following have been defined as status indicators: Physical-chemical parameters: Temperature (T), Oxide Reduction Potential (ORP), PH, Percent Oxygen Saturation (%OD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electro-Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Salinity (Sal), Turbidity, Depth (at which the information is taken). For these variables there is not a sufficient range of variation to establish the ranges, however, after the elaboration of the monitoring during the first years, in addition, as determined by the Colombian regulations, these ranges and their implications in the system will be established. The only variable for which a variation range has been established is oxygen concentration: Satisfactory Level: 5-6 mg/L Acceptable Level: 3-5 mg/L Critical Level: <3 mg/L

1. Lentic and lotic systems This ecosystem service only has information for one period of time, 2023. It is expected to continue with the implementation of limnological monitoring in the following periods, in order to establish a trend in the status of the value under conservation Lentic and lotic systems.

3. Cultural Values

MONITORING OF VALUES

THRESHOLDS OF SUCCESS

CONDITION OF VALUES

SUMMARY OF TRENDS AND RESULTS

1. Bocachico: The fishing resource in Los Katíos NP, the Atrato River and the Tumaradó marshes is used by the inhabitants of the Afro-descendant communities of Tumaradó and Puente América, who depend economically and culturally on the protected area's fish resources, bocachico being the most valued species.

1. Bocachico Pressure indicators: Changes in CPUE (kg/hour) and effort for each prioritized species, by fishing gear”, and ‘Temporal variation in catch per unit effort - CPUE (kg/hour) and effort for each prioritized species, by fishing gear’: According to the monitoring data taken in the 2019 and 2020 monitoring period, the relationship between CPUE and effort, correspond to critical level. Percentage of individuals caught below the average size at maturity (%C) by fishing gear: For the 2020 monitoring period, the result for bocachico indicates that it is at a satisfactory level. Variation in average active economic fishing unit (EFU) per fishing gear per sampling unit: This indicator does not have monitoring information to identify the range in which the species is found. Status Indicator: Size frequency distribution of prioritized species: In 2020, the species is at a satisfactory level. Percentage of PSUs sampled with respect to those active per day: There is no monitoring information available to identify the range in which the species is found.

1. Bocachico: Pressure Indicators: Changes in CPUE (kg/hour) and effort for each prioritized species, by gear, and Temporal variation in catch per unit effort - CPUE (kg/hour) and effort for each prioritized species, by gear: Satisfactory level when CPUE increases and effort is equal or decreases. Acceptable level when CPUE is equal and effort is equal, or CPUE is higher and effort is higher, or CPUE is lower and effort is lower. Critical level when CPUE decreases and effort is equal or increases. Percentage of individuals caught below the mean size at maturity (%C) by fishing gear: Satisfactory level, if %C 50 = high risk of overfishing by growth. Variation in the average number of active economic fishing unit (EFU) per fishing gear per sampling unit: Satisfactory level, Decrease in average number of EPUs between sampling units or time series. Acceptable Level, No variation in the average number of PSUs between sampling units or time series. Critical Level, Increase in the average number of PSUs between sampling units or time series. Status Indicator: Size frequency distribution of the prioritized species: Satisfactory Level: There are no significant differences in the size frequency distributions of each species with respect to the normal distribution and therefore presents no asymmetry. Acceptable Level: Presenting negative asymmetry. Critical Level: Presenting positive asymmetry.

The analyses of the monitoring of the Bocachico conservation target value are available for two time periods, 2019 and 2020, for the 2024 period it is expected to have the analyses of the last years (2021 and 2022), which will allow establishing a trend analysis of the VOC for the indicators evaluated.

Conservation Summary

Good Governance: The governance of Los Katios NNP is characterized by an inclusive and participatory approach that ensures the representation of local communities in decision-making processes. There are multiple decision-making bodies that facilitate collaboration and dialogue between communities and park management, promoting a shared and effective management. The main decision-making bodies in the area include:
Local Table within the Framework of the Uramba Agreement: This body brings together representatives of local communities, including leaders of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities, along with park officials, to participate in the planning and management of the park. Through this instance, decisions about the use of natural resources and conservation strategies are discussed and made, ensuring that local needs and perspectives are considered in the management of the area.

Coordinating Committee of the Hydrobiological Resource Agreement: This committee focuses on the sustainable management of the park’s hydrobiological resources, such as fishing and aquatic species conservation. It is composed of representatives from local communities, environmental authorities, and experts in aquatic resource management. Its role is to coordinate and supervise activities related to the use and management of these resources, ensuring that they are carried out sustainably and aligned with the park’s conservation objectives.

Isaac Chocho Quiroz Table within the Framework of the Special Management Regime (REM): This is a crucial body that focuses on integrating the traditional knowledge and cultural practices of Indigenous communities into park management. Through the Special Management Regime (REM), this table facilitates the participation of Indigenous communities in decision-making related to the conservation and sustainable use of the park’s natural resources. It is a space for dialogue and collaboration that ensures the rights and traditional practices of Indigenous communities are respected and considered in all management decisions.

Coordinating Committee of the Conservation Pact: This committee includes representatives from various governmental and non-governmental entities that have signed the Conservation Pact of the Park. The committee coordinates joint actions for the protection and conservation of the park, promoting inter-institutional cooperation and the participation of multiple stakeholders in the implementation of management and conservation strategies.

Inter-institutional Environmental Education Committee: This committee focuses on environmental education and raising awareness among local communities and other stakeholders about the importance of park conservation. It involves members of local communities, representatives from educational entities, and environmental authorities. Through this committee, educational programs are developed and implemented to foster community participation and strengthen local capacities for area conservation.

In addition to these formal bodies, other spaces for dialogue and coordination with institutional and community actors have been created, allowing the implementation of an adaptive governance approach that responds flexibly to emerging challenges. This structure has been essential in addressing issues such as deforestation, illegal fishing, and land occupation, promoting sustainable and equitable park management that respects the rights and needs of local communities. Each of these bodies plays a fundamental role in the governance of Los Katios NNP, ensuring that decisions regarding park management are participatory, inclusive, and reflect the needs and priorities of local stakeholders and environmental institutions. This governance structure fosters cooperation among diverse actors, promoting a comprehensive approach to the conservation of the protected area.

Design and Planning: The design of Los Katíos NNP is oriented towards the long-term conservation of its main natural values, integrating an adaptive approach that allows it to respond to emerging threats and meet the needs of local communities. This approach materialized through two key instruments: the current Management Plan and the Special Management Regime (REM), developed in conjunction with local communities. The Management Plan is the main instrument guiding the management of the park, establishing guidelines for the conservation of biodiversity, cultural values, and ecosystem services. The plan is currently being updated to incorporate new scientific data and adapt to changes in the social and environmental context. This process is carried out with the participation of local communities, ensuring that their perspectives and traditional knowledge are integrated into the planning and management of the protected area. The Special Management Regime (REM) was signed on October 21, 2016, with the indigenous community of Juin Phubuur, a community within the protected area. This management instrument promotes shared governance of the area, allowing communities to participate in decision-making and the implementation of conservation strategies. Additionally, the REM includes agreements on the sustainable use of natural resources, such as fishing, and the protection of aquatic ecosystems, which are essential for the subsistence of these communities. The zoning of Los Katíos NNP includes strict protection areas, sustainable use zones, and sectors designated for natural and cultural recovery. This zoning allows for differentiated management, adapted to the characteristics and needs of each area. Additionally, the park’s design considers current and future threats, such as climate change and land-use pressure. During the visit, it was confirmed that these threats are regularly monitored and that strategies have been implemented to mitigate their impacts, including ecological restoration, strengthening ecological connectivity with other protected areas, and preparing an emergency plan to address potential adverse events, both natural and anthropogenic. In summary, the design and planning of Los Katíos NNP combine an adaptive and participatory approach, supported by the Management Plan and the REM, to ensure the effective conservation of its natural and cultural values while addressing the needs and recognizing the social and economic context of local communities.

Effective Management: The management of the protected area is characterized by an adaptive and science-based approach, supported by a consolidated team that efficiently carries out management and conservation actions. Management strategies are implemented through an adaptive approach that integrates traditional and scientific knowledge to address critical challenges such as deforestation, illegal fishing, and land occupation. These strategies are designed to ensure ecological sustainability and the well-being of local communities. Collaboration between institutional and community actors is essential, enabling comprehensive park management that promotes sustainable practices and minimizes negative impacts on biodiversity.

Ecological restoration activities have been implemented, including the planting of native species to restore degraded areas, and agreements on the use and management of hydrobiodiversity resources have been established with local communities, resulting in the conservation of more than 30,000 hectares both inside and outside the park. These efforts have been crucial to ensuring that natural resources are managed sustainably and in line with the park’s conservation objectives.
Visitor management is carried out through an ecotourism zoning plan that seeks to balance the visitor experience with the conservation of the park’s natural resources. This plan includes zoning the park into specific areas for tourist activities, ensuring that they are conducted sustainably and with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, educational measures are implemented to raise visitor awareness about the importance of conservation and to promote responsible behavior during their stay in the park.

Financial management is fundamental for the effective implementation of the park’s conservation and management strategies. Resources come from a combination of sources, including government funds, agreements with non-governmental organizations, and contributions from international entities. These funds are allocated to key activities such as surveillance and monitoring, staff training, development of adequate infrastructure for visitors, and implementation of environmental education programs. Transparent and efficient financial management ensures the long-term sustainability of the park’s conservation and management activities.

Effective management also includes community participation in decision-making, continuous training of park staff, and collaboration with academic and research entities for biodiversity monitoring. In collaboration with the University of Antioquia, detailed studies on timber species and terrestrial mammals have been conducted, which have allowed for the development of solid baselines for future research and informed decision-making. Additionally, regular monitoring of the Conservation Objects (VOC) and the use of hydrobiodiversity resources is carried out using advanced technologies and participatory methods that include local communities in data collection.
Clear protocols have also been established for emergency management and crisis response, such as wildfires or floods, that could threaten the park’s integrity. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the ecological restoration of degraded areas and the protection of endangered species, thus ensuring the ecological integrity of the park.

Together, these elements of the effective management component ensure that Los Katíos National Natural Park is managed in a sustainable and inclusive manner, integrating biodiversity conservation with the needs and rights of local communities while promoting responsible tourism that respects the ecological value of the protected area. The governance structure and implemented management strategies reflect a continued commitment to the protection and preservation of this valuable ecosystem.

Conservation Outcomes: Los Katíos NNP has demonstrated significant progress in conserving its main natural and cultural values. The park maintains high ecological integrity, supported by its strategic location in the Darién region, facilitating ecological connectivity between different conservation areas, such as the Darién National Park in Panama and other protected areas in Colombia. This connectivity is vital for species mobility and biodiversity preservation in the region.
Conservation outcomes also include the protection of critical ecosystem services, such as water regulation and carbon sequestration, which are essential for climate change mitigation and the well-being of local communities. Additionally, the park has worked on conserving cultural values by collaborating closely with Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities to preserve traditional practices and ancestral knowledge that contribute to the sustainable management of the area.
The park’s conservation success is reflected in its international recognition. In 2015, UNESCO removed PNN Los Katíos from the List of World Heritage in Danger, highlighting the advances in its management and threat mitigation. This improvement has been possible thanks to the implementation of comprehensive conservation strategies, collaboration with local communities, and support from national and international actors.

Site Visit: The field visit to Los Katíos NNP, conducted by the EAGL, included meetings with the park management team and local communities, as well as river and land tours to assess the state of conservation and the effectiveness of management strategies. Key areas visited included the administrative headquarters in Turbo, the Tumaradó wetlands, and the operational headquarters in Sautatá, where the available infrastructure was observed, and needs for improvement in terms of communication and security were identified.

During the visit, the park’s efforts to foster collaboration with local communities through ecotourism projects and natural resource management agreements were highlighted. The communities of Bocas del Atrato and Tumaradó demonstrated a high degree of ownership and commitment to the area’s conservation, actively participating in monitoring and conservation activities and promoting sustainable development initiatives. The final evaluation of the visit concluded that while the park has made significant progress in managing its protected area, there are areas that require strengthening, such as infrastructure and communication mechanisms, to ensure more effective and secure management of the area. Additionally, the park’s potential for ecotourism was highlighted, as was the importance of continuing to promote community participation in updating the management plan.

Public Consultation: During the evaluation process of Los Katíos NNP, a public consultation was conducted to gather opinions on the park’s management, involving key stakeholders from various communities and sectors. A total of 24 responses were received, 50% of which came from the local community. Within this group, 29% (5 people) were Indigenous representatives from the Arquía and Peranchito reserves, while 21% (7 people) were Afro-descendants from communities such as Bocas del Atrato and Tumaradó. Both groups expressed a positive perception of the park’s management, highlighting its crucial role in ecosystem conservation and active collaboration with local communities.

45.83% of the responses (11 respondents) came from public authorities and managers, including representatives from entities such as CODECHOCÓ, the National Navy, and the Secretariat of Agriculture and Environment, as well as from the Association of Traditional Waunan Authorities of Urabá Darién Chocuano (ASOWOUDAHC). This group emphasized effective collaboration and the park’s comprehensive conservation strategy, while also highlighting the need to improve coordination and the presence of various authorities to strengthen control and governance.
Finally, 4.17% of respondents (1 person) represented academia, specifically the University of Antioquia. This response highlighted the research and conservation activities carried out in the park and the strengthening of ties with local communities, promoting an integrated and sustainable approach to managing the protected area.

The stakeholder consultation provided valuable feedback on areas for improvement and underscored the importance of maintaining an inclusive and participatory approach in managing PNN Los Katíos. The recommendations from participants will be considered in the process of updating the park’s management plan, ensuring that all voices are heard and that best conservation practices are adopted.

Recommendations: The EAGL recommends strengthening the park’s infrastructure, particularly in remote areas like the Sautatá headquarters, to ensure adequate working conditions for the management team and improve safety and connectivity. It is also crucial to enhance the team’s capabilities in terms of gender approach and conflict management, ensuring inclusive and equitable management that respects the rights and roles of all involved communities.
As part of the process of updating the management plan, it is suggested to include a more detailed analysis of climate risks and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies. It is also recommended to establish cross-border management agreements with Panama, especially in collaboration with Darién National Park, to strengthen transboundary conservation. Finally, it is essential to incorporate a knowledge management and documentation strategy to ensure the continuity of good conservation practices and the effective transfer of knowledge among generations and involved stakeholders.