Recently, within the framework of the COP16 being held in Cali, Colombia, Asocaña announced the connection of a large biodiverse corridor in the southwestern region of the country to contribute to the conservation of fauna and flora.
In an unprecedented effort in the sugarcane agroindustrial sector, sugar mills and sugarcane growers, with the support of our Sugarcane Research Center – Cenicaña -, we joined forces to connect 890 km of corridor in three departments where sugarcane is grown. This biodiversity highway will enable wildlife mobility between ecosystems and become home to hundreds of species.
“The Cauca River biodiversity corridor is not only an investment in biodiversity, but in the well-being of the entire region, something that is at the core of our agribusiness. With this investment, we are moving towards a greater balance between nature and agricultural production, demonstrating that development and sustainability can go hand in hand,” explained Claudia Calero, president of Asocaña.
For this important objective, we will lead the planting of trees and native vegetation to promote biodiversity. “Undoubtedly, this effort also requires the participation of environmental authorities, national and local governments, as well as community-based organizations, as they are a fundamental part of the sustainability of these initiatives,” Calero said.
This corridor, which covers more than 6,500 hectares, will not only allow the mobility and reproduction of more than 640 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and amphibians, among others, but will also generate great benefits such as water regulation and improved air quality in the region. We are leaving a green legacy that will protect biodiversity, strengthen ecosystems, and benefit both current communities and future generations.
On the other hand, as part of our agribusiness’ commitment to sustainability, we have been working since 2009 with the Water for Life and Sustainability Fund, created by our affiliated mills through which, in alliance with private entities, local communities, environmental and social organizations, indigenous councils, multilateral organizations and state organizations, we lead, promote and finance actions for the conservation and restoration of 26 watersheds in 29 municipalities, which supply water to more than 3.5 million inhabitants.
With the Water Fund, we have managed investments directly from the sugar mills and have leveraged other resources from multiple strategic allies. Thanks to these resources, we have intervened 13,706 hectares of strategic ecosystems in restoration processes, and we have planted more than 1 million native trees that facilitate the recovery of native fauna and flora; in addition, more than 3,217 families have benefited by participating directly in the projects and 18,902 families have benefited indirectly.
In the Colombian sugarcane agroindustry, we reaffirm our commitment to the environmental and social sustainability of our areas of influence, because the well-being of the communities is also our own.
