Colombian Farmers Shift to Eco-Tourism

In Colombia's jungle heartland, farmers are shifting from coca cultivation and deforestation to eco-tourism, creating new economic opportunities for local residents. This transformation has been facilitated by the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC, which has helped stabilize the region previously marked by guerrilla warfare and drug production. Local guides, some of whom were once involved in deforestation, now lead visitors to attractions like the ancient cave paintings of Cerro Azul and the vibrant pink aquatic plants at Cano Sabana. This change not only supports sustainable livelihoods but also promotes cultural and natural tourism in a previously troubled area. The movement towards eco-tourism is part of a broader effort to align with global sustainability goals, as highlighted at the recent COP16 biodiversity conference in Colombia.