A new project aimed at reducing deforestation and preserving biodiversity the Colombian Amazon plans to introduce agroforestry as an alternative livelihood strategy for indigenous communities.

The Forest Conservation and Sustainability in the Heart of the Colombian Amazon Project will receive US $10 million from the World Bank through the Global Environment Facility (GLF). The project will focus efforts around improving governance and promoting sustainable land-use practices in an area close to 9 million hectares in the Caqueta and Guaviare departments.

The project is expected to benefit around 3,500 indigenous people with agroforestry systems and forest conservation practices being implemented by 200 peasant families.

Project activities will be geared towards easing the pressure on deforestation and biodiversity while helping to generate opportunities for small-scale farmers and indigenous communities in the area.

The project is the first under Vision Amazonia, an initiative that seeks to establish partnerships between Colombia and the international community to reduce carbon emissions from rainforest areas.

Read the press release: World Bank and GEF to Support Conservation of Colombian Amazon and Opportunities for Its Inhabitants