Funding will support the expansion of Colombia’s system of National Natural Parks and other areas for conservation

This evening, the International Conservation Caucus Foundation will hold its U.S. Congressional Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. at the Willard Intercontinental with special guests including Colombian President H.E. Iván Duque Márquez. James C. Deutsch, Ph.D., CEO of Rainforest Trust will make an announcement on behalf of the organization during remarks at the event.

30% of Earth by 2020

During the course of the evening, Deutsch will acknowledge President Duque’s national and global leadership as a member of the High Ambition Coalition that is helping to show the world the importance of protecting 30% of the earth’s lands and seas by 2030—a concept embraced internationally and known as 30 by 30.

“We must take immediate action if we are to stem the catastrophic loss of biodiversity and avoid unthinkable global impacts of climate change,” Deutsch said. “Rainforest Trust recognizes the extraordinary biodiversity of Colombia, the exceptional work that Colombia has done to protect its natural and cultural heritage, and especially the visionary ambition of H.E. Ivan Duque Marquez to expand the national protected area network.”

Rainforest Trust will make a five-year, $15M USD commitment to support the creation and expansion of protected areas in Colombia. These funds will be allocated to support the expansion of Colombia’s system of National Natural Parks and other areas for conservation including as delineated in the National Natural Park Strategic Goals. Rainforest Trust is actively working in partnership with the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the leadership and technical staff of the Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia and the International Conservation Caucus Foundation on the first three proposals for National Natural Park expansion and hope to approve one or more and begin funding soon.

“Colombia holds some of the most land for biodiversity conservation in the world,” Deutsch added. “Rainforest Trust is committed to partnerships that will help to ensure that much of this land will be protected.”