Today, tropical dry forests cover only 8% of their original area in Colombia. Threatened by climate change, agriculture, livestock farming, and mining, they are among the most fragile ecosystems in the country. In the Colombian Caribbean region, where 40% of this forest is concentrated, rural, indigenous, Afro-descendant, and displaced communities face poverty, land inequality, and the consequences of armed conflict.

The tropical dry forest is also home to species emblematic of the region, including the white-headed titi monkey, the peccary, and the ocelot, endangered species whose survival depends directly on the conservation of this unique ecosystem.

Since its creation in 2016, this program has been rolled out in 5 departments and 7 municipalities in the Caribbean region to promote sustainable production systems and develop economic alternatives to deforestation, with more than 700 participants and their local associations. Some key figures include 18 collective tree nurseries, the planting of more than 52,000 native trees, more than 250 hectares converted to agroforestry and silvopastoralism, 3 value chains and 13 biodiversity-based products developed and marketed, 8 producer associations strengthened, and more than 7,000 people reached through 15 campaigns to mobilize public, private, and civil society actors. This work has also led to the development of the Tamandúa solidarity brand, which promotes forest products and supports a fair local economy.

Building on its strong local roots and progress, since 2024 the program has refocused on improving knowledge of local biodiversity, community conservation and restoration of the last remaining tropical dry forests for climate adaptation (soil and water resource regeneration, ecological connectivity), strengthening territorial governance, and scaling up economic alternatives, with a focus on capacity building and the empowerment of women, young people, and local associations.

It is currently active in three strategic areas for the preservation of the last remnants of this iconic forest and supports 200 participants and five producer associations in Ovejas and Toluviejo in Los Montes de María (department of Sucre) and Becerril in the Serranía del Perijá (department of Cesar), combining sustainable local development and environmental justice.