Rewilding is happening now all over the world, both on land and at sea, bringing back key species and restoring entire ecosystems at all scales. We are now an alliance of over 200 organisations that are restoring nature around the world.
We warmly introduce WebConserva, that are building wildlife corridors and coffee plantations to improve human-wildlife coexistence in this region that boasts incredible biodiversity, as well as being roamed by multiple big predators; jaguars, pumas, and Andean bears. They secure local livelihoods and a harmonious coexistence at the same time.
Securing local livelihoods and harmonious human-wildlife coexistence
Partner organisation: WebConserva
Location: Colombia
Photo Credit: WebConserva
How could living within the same ecosystem as these magnificent predators be economically beneficial as well as safe? WebConserva have found one of the answers to this question: Jaguar Walls. These ‘walls’ are made from coffee plantations and are paving the way towards a wilder world based on peaceful coexistence between farmers and wildlife.
Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas and third largest in the world after tigers and lions. As apex predators, they keep ecosystems from Argentina to Mexico healthy and in balance. Alongside abundant prey populations, jaguars need huge, interconnected natural territories to thrive and maintain genetic diversity. Colombia, where WebConserva is based, is a vital part of the jaguar’s biological corridor, ensuring connectivity between South and Central America.
In Colombia, where jaguars, pumas, and Andean bears are living, human-wildlife coexistence is of utmost importance to all of those involved.
Photo credit: WebConserva
WebConserva is tackling this by creating Jaguar Walls, a series of coffee plantations planted along the edges of cattle ranches. These walls serve as buffer zones, protecting farmland from predators while preserving the jaguars’ crucial biological corridors. Jaguars do not pass through coffee plantations, as they dislike open areas. As WebConserva founder Carlos Valderrama says, “We like coffee because jaguars can’t eat it!” Giving space to jaguars is an essential first step in their rewilding journey.
This innovative solution not only helps prevent jaguar persecution and habitat destruction but also supports local farmers.
In some cases, before establishing these coffee buffer zones, WebConserva provides farmers with electric fencing to protect livestock, giving them a temporary solution while the coffee takes root. Their Café Conserva brand helps finance these efforts, providing farmers an extra income in exchange for contributing to jaguar conservation and protecting biodiversity.
Find out more about their work via their Youtube here.
Photo credit: WebConserva