On July 31, IRI Colombia held a full-day training in La Macarena (Meta), bringing together religious leaders and members of the local chapters of IRI La Macarena, IRI Alto Morrocoy, and IRI La Cristalina. The program combined theological reflection on care for creation with technical insights into regional biodiversity, ecosystem services, deforestation drivers, and tools for citizen advocacy in defense of the Amazon rainforest.
Pastor Martín Ramírez Arias, coordinator of the three local chapters, opened the session with a reflection on the ethical and spiritual duty of protecting nature: “We can and must assume an ethical commitment to creation and to the Creator, recognizing our responsibility to care for the tree of life. This care is not only spiritual but also practical: protecting natural life, species, ecosystems, and the biodiversity that God has entrusted to us.”
Biologist and ecologist Dr. Diego Fernando Campos delivered the lecture “Amazonian ecosystems: exploration and basic understanding,” highlighting the ecological richness of the region—home to species such as the pink dolphin, the cachicamo cedar, and the woodcreeper—while also pointing to the serious threats it faces. According to Campos, extensive cattle ranching, illicit crops, and the loss of vital ecosystem services such as water regulation and climate balance make La Macarena one of Colombia’s most deforested municipalities.
“La Macarena is a unique region for its biodiversity. Yet it is also one of the municipalities with the highest rates of deforestation in Colombia.”
— Dr. Diego Fernando Campos, ecologist
In the afternoon, political scientist José Adolfo Castañeda led the workshop “The power of advocacy: protecting Amazonian ecosystems.” He emphasized the role of citizen engagement in shaping sustainable futures: “Political advocacy is a tool for building sustainability. It allows communities to influence key decisions on the use and conservation of the territory.”
The day concluded with an exchange between participants—including religious leaders, Indigenous authorities, educators, and community action board presidents—and municipal officials. Planning Secretary Santiago Flórez and environmental professional Alejandra Baquero presented updates on the territorial development plan, opening space for dialogue and accountability on forest protection and deforestation control.
“Tropical forests are our light of hope. Thanks to their physical and ecological qualities, they help reduce global warming and mitigate climate change.”
— Blanca Lucía Echeverry, national coordinator of IRI Colombia
Through this new training, IRI Colombia continues to expand its work in the department of Meta, promoting a defense of the Amazon that emerges from spirituality, community organization, and a shared commitment to life from the territories.
