Protecting Existing Forests

Colombia’s tropical dry forests are among the most threatened ecosystems in the country. In the Caribbean departments of Sucre, Atlántico, and Bolívar, these forests have suffered extensive loss due to agriculture, cattle ranching, and urban expansion. Yet, they also represent one of the greatest opportunities for forest restoration and long-term conservation.

To secure the future of these vital ecosystems, Proyecto Tití played a key role in developing and implementing the Regional System of Protected Areas for the Caribbean Region of Colombia (SIRAP-CARIBE). This collaborative effort brought together municipal authorities, environmental agencies, national parks, NGOs, and private landowners to establish new reserves and expand existing ones. Each protected area was created through science-based land-use planning, legal agreements, and community participation, ensuring that conservation priorities are integrated into local land management.

By embedding forest protection into regional policy, SIRAP-CARIBE helps ensure that these areas remain off-limits to deforestation and degradation—safeguarding habitat for the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin and countless other species that depend on the tropical dry forest.

In partnership with the regional environmental authorities of Atlántico and Bolívar (CRA and CARDIQUE), Proyecto Tití has already helped to establish four protected areas, setting aside more than 12,650 acres (5,119 hectares) for wildlife conservation. This progress not only protects the remaining forests but also inspires communities and policymakers to value and restore one of Colombia’s most endangered ecosystems.

Building on these regional conservation successes, Proyecto Tití is also focused on protecting and restoring specific areas that are critical for the survival of cotton-top tamarins. By combining science-driven planning with community partnerships, we work to create safe, connected habitats where wildlife can thrive. One of our most significant achievements in this mission is the creation of Los Tities de San Juan Forest Reserve—a privately owned protected area designed to secure the future of cotton-top tamarins in Colombia’s Caribbean region.

The Importance of Los Tities de San Juan Forest Reserve

Covering more than 2,200 acres (900 ha), Los Tities de San Juan Forest Reserve is strategically located next to the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Colorados, a 2,500-acre (1,000-ha) national park that serves as a cornerstone of Proyecto Tití’s forest conservation work. Through reforestation of former pasturelands, the reconnection of forest fragments, and active habitat protection, this has become one of the largest protected areas for cotton-top tamarins in the department of Bolívar. It stands as a living example of Proyecto Tití’s long-term commitment to safeguarding Colombia’s tropical dry forests and the unique species that depend on them.

Protecting What Remains

The survival of the cotton-top tamarin depends on protecting the forests that still exist today. Proyecto Tití is committed to safeguarding these last remaining fragments of tropical dry forest—monitoring tamarin populations, preventing deforestation, and strengthening legal protection for critical habitats. By working hand in hand with local communities, landowners, and environmental authorities, we are ensuring that these irreplaceable forests remain standing, providing safety, food, and shelter for cotton-top tamarins now and for generations to come.