by: María José Vargas
María José Vargas (EPM ’25) travelled to Colombia as a part of a global course offered by the Institute. Here is her story.
My journey to Líbano, Colombia, was a transformative experience that deepened my
understanding of ecological restoration and its impact on communities and the
environment. Located five hours outside Bogotá, Líbano is a rural town nestled in the
Andes mountains, known for its dedication to agriculture. During our visit, we had the
privilege of working with Quinta Esencia Taller, an NGO committed to promoting the
ecological restoration of ecosystems in this region.
From the moment we landed in Bogotá, our adventure began. Our journey to Líbano was
punctuated by strategic stops to indulge in refreshing tropical fruits like granadilla and local
snacks like arepa boyasense, immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture and flavors of
Colombia. Upon arrival in Líbano, we settled into a local hotel, eager to embark on our
journey of learning and exploration.
On our first day we hiked to our hosts’ (Ledis and Alex) farm, where we learned about the
importance of planting native species in gardens and reforesting coffee farms. We
discovered how these practices attract birds that control pests in coffee crops, highlighting
the intricate ecological balance necessary for sustainable agriculture.
The following day, we visited a restoration project by the local river, where we learned about
proper species selection for restoration projects. We also learned about two different tree
preparation methods: rescuing a baby tree from its natural habitat and transplanting it into
a nursery, and obtaining a graft directly from the tree’s root. Practicing these methods,
we prepared baby trees in the nursery and grafts for planting on an erosion control
reforestation project, combating land degradation and preventing landslides in highly
eroded terrain.
Our journey also took us to a local high school, where we worked alongside students on
various projects. I had the opportunity to participate in a reforestation project, planting
trees with the students and witnessing their passion for environmental conservation and
restoration.
One of the most impactful moments of our trip was our visit to Parque Nacional Los
Nevados, home to the famous Nevado del Ruiz volcano. Here, we learned about the
challenges of controlling the invasive species Retino Espinoso and the effects of rising
temperatures on the park’s glaciers. The visible changes in the glaciers over the past 30
years served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action.
Throughout our journey, we were welcomed with open arms by our hosts and the local
community, who made us feel at home and shared their houses, food knowledge, and
experiences with us. We indulged in delicious local cuisine, such as patacones con hogao,
aromática, and tinto, savoring every moment of our culinary adventures.
As our week and trip came to a close, we celebrated with an unforgettable dinner, dancing,
and drinking wine with a vibrant local band. This experience not only enriched my
understanding of ecological restoration but also deepened my appreciation for the rich
culture and biodiversity of Colombia. I returned the U.S with a renewed sense of purpose
and a good reminder that there are good people working with passion and purpose to build
a better world.