Strategies for conserving native trees in the Wiwa indigenous community of the Caracolí district, San Juan del Cesar (La Guajira)

Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to design strategies for the conservation of native trees in the Wiwa indigenous community in the village of Caracolí, municipality of San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira. The research arises in response to the alarming deforestation and loss of biodiversity in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where tree species known colloquially as guayacán, caracolí, and corazón fino are threatened. This work seeks to contribute to the preservation of forest resources through sustainable actions that integrate the traditional knowledge of the Wiwa community with current technical approaches.

The research is descriptive in nature, as it aims to characterize tree species, their uses, and risk categories. The research design is field-based, with a cross-sectional approach, as the data were collected directly in the Wiwa community of Siminke. Data collection techniques included direct observation, interviews with community members, and records of native species, through which 39 trees characteristic of the area were identified.
The results made it possible to taxonomically classify the species, describe their timber, medicinal, artisanal, and environmental uses, and establish their level of threat. Among the proposed strategies are: planting days, environmental education, forest fire management, agroforestry projects, seed rescue, and logging regulation.

The research highlights the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of native trees for the Wiwa community. The proposed strategies strengthen ecosystem conservation, foster environmental awareness, and promote the sustainability of the territory, ensuring the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of this indigenous community.