Colombia is leveraging its status as the most bird-diverse nation on Earth to foster economic growth and stability following decades of civil conflict. Since the 2016 peace agreement between the government and the FARC guerrilla group, previously inaccessible regions have opened to scientists and international birdwatchers. This shift has created a unique opportunity for former combatants to transition into roles as conservationists and professional guides. By prioritizing ecotourism, the country is establishing sustainable livelihoods that serve as alternatives to illicit activities, while simultaneously protecting its vast biological heritage.
- Colombia recorded nearly 2,000 different bird species, the highest diversity of any country in the world.
- The 2016 peace accord opened vast territories that were previously off-limits to researchers and tourists due to the presence of guerrilla forces.
- Former FARC fighters are being retrained as birding guides, utilizing their extensive knowledge of the remote jungle terrain for environmental preservation.
- Ecotourism is providing a viable economic alternative for rural communities that previously relied on coca cultivation or illegal mining.
- Scientific expeditions into formerly “forbidden” zones have led to the documentation of rare species and the discovery of new avian life.
- The transition to bird-focused tourism is viewed as a critical component of the country’s efforts to achieve long-term social and environmental stability.
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Peace has helped to help bird conversation .To choose a peaceful profesion instead of militancy is a great step.
Great story 60 minutes
Colombian here, it`s not because of war but intead of. Is the people living in harmony with nature, with other cultural and economic values that made possible that conservation.
It is in part because of racism, because the government didn`t "develop" those areal where most of the Bio Diversity remains. Too many black people and indigenous people to allow development. I think your Henry Kissinger imposed that on us.
Birds silhouette, sounds and movements have a very subtle spiritual poetic gift for human beings who are sensitive enough.
It is not dull, it requires having profoundness of sensitivity towards being alive and the Universe.
But it is not just birds, its the walking in forests, breathing pure air and exercising our eye long distance capacity, a skill we lost in modern world and is crucial for health.
I've birded in many Central/South American countries… Colombia is top of my list to visit next… for birds and for the food!
I am Colombian and a bird photographer. Colombia is getting worse, not better in terms of security. Places that I could go 2 or 3 years ago are not loger safe. It is a birder paradise with multiple ecosystems and more that 1900 bird species, but even as a colombian I do not feel safe going to many places I used to go in the past. If I was visiting, I would focus on the coffee region (mountain), Casanare (the plains. It is fantastic) and the Sierra nevada in the north region. Most other locations are not as safe anymore.
They are so cute 🥰 little birds
Thanks so much for doing this… our collective trauma has grown for decades and the situation has left some of us, who live in urban areas, isolated from all of this beauty. I avoid travel altogether, which is quite sad… but I'm glad you and your team felt safe 🦅
🕊️✨
#birds
I spend hours on my porch here outside medellin bird watching. truly amazing how many species are here.
Congratulations Diego !!..it was a wonderful article….we are a bird watchers and planing to go there to see that beauty..
— Colombia: The Most Biodiverse country on the Planet per Km² , and 2nd in terms of area, after Brazil. — Colombia is home to one in ten known species worldwide. It is the country with the highest diversity of birds, 🦅🐧🐦🦆🦉 butterflies, and orchids. 🦋 ⛰ 🌹
— Colombia has about 50% of the world’s páramos, making it the country with the largest share of this unique high-altitude ecosystem. 🌍
— Colombia is the 3rd most beautiful country in the world, according to Forbes.
— Colombia is called "The Country of 1,000 Rhythms" because there are 1,025.
— Colombia has 48% of the best hospitals and clinics in Latin America.
Nice to see some good news! Thanks.
Bella, mi Colombia.
LOL… NO PEACE IN COLOMBIA……. FAKE PROPAGANDA…….
My beautifull conuntry!!!
What a wonderful segment. Thank you for weaving together some of the natural history, and wonders, of Colombia, with its civil history. Fascinating to hear how the civil strife has had interplay with bird sanctuaries and habitat.
Well done, 60 Minutes team.
These people raped women and children, killed innocent farmers and kidnapped and destroyed a lot of families, just forgive them and act like nothing happened is wrong.
Beautiful segment!
Bird lives matter more than human lives there. Why is Columbia negotiating with terrorists?
NEVER EVER GIVE UP YOUR GUNS and allow your enemies to keep theirs 😮😮😮
10:17 Imagine being in the middle of the Amazon and running into Anderson Cooper doing a story on what you literally tattooed all over your body
I would love to see a follow up story on Columbian coffee, especially coffees which are
Smithsonian Certified as Bird Friendly based on farmers who follow shade grown practices.
I haven't lost hope that Colombia, besides being the country of beauty, will also be the country of reconciliation.
Excellent assignment ❤
I was crying while watching this video . I am a Colombian living in California and we get used to see negative news from our country but you and your team decided to upload something very positive for us to feel proud of. Colombia the country of life.