Institutional
Description>> Missión>> Visión>> History>> DescriptionThe Ecological FoundationGabriel Arango Restrepo is a private nonprofit organization that seeks to protect, research and disseminate the flora and fauna of the basins that supply Manizales’ waterworks. It was created in October 1996 due to the initiative of this illustrious Caldas man’s family. In this manner, the objective is to upkeep the ideals of cultural roots and respect for nature passed on to his descendants.
In the lands bordering Rio Blanco the following processes are taking place: Introduction in captivity of a pair of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus), the only bear species in Latin America and the largest mammal of the cloud forest, endangered species due to deforestation and hunting. In addition, the Foundationalso carries out flora and fauna censuses, the recollection of orchids native to the region to be shown to visitors. A foster home was also built for the confiscated wildlife.
The Ecological Foundation Gabriel Arango Restrepo has a cultural and ecological purpose. Its purpose is to protect and conserve the native flora and fauna of the river and stream basins that supply Manizales’ waterworks, the Parque Nacional Natural de los Nevados zone, and the coffee—growing region in general. It also looks after the improvement of the environment; showing the inhabitants the importance of taking care of the regional richness; leading the scientific study of the species found; as well as, promoting their beauty and biodiversity.
We will be the environment’s best partners. We will gain an important position, nationally and internationally, by means of strategic alliances with our analog entities, willing to be an example in education, training and promotion of the richness of our region and the policies needed for its conservation. We will directly involve all the community, with our aim always being to have and offer the best bibliographical, documentary and field information.
History The Rio Blanco (White River) Hydrographic Reserve is made up of 3,217 hectares made up of reforestations, secondary forests and moor. It was declared a forest reserve on April 6th, 1992 since it had relicts of low mountainous humid forest. At the end of 1996 the company mixed economy, Aguas de Manizales S.A. E.S.P. joined with Manizales families, resulting in the emergence of the NGO Ecological Foundation Gabriel Arango Restrepo, in memory of this illustrious patriarch from Caldas; with the purpose of researching, protecting and disclosing the native flora and fauna of Blanco, Olivares and Guacaica River basins. Of the basins that supply Manizales’ waterworks, Rio Blanco was chosen as the site of the Foundation’s initial work, since it has the most biodiversity, and it is the closest to the city, facilitating the educational processes that are carried out.
It is a hydrographic basin of 4343 hectares, of which, InfiManizales owns 3217.
Our ancestors saw in it a great water source, and since 1904, they began to acquire the land through the Mayor's Office. The Rio Blanco Reserve includes important relicts of low mountainous rain forest, better known as cloud forest. At its highest point, the reserve is adjacent to the Parque Natural los Nevados and its moor ecosystems. 335 birds species have been detected and more than 350 butterfly species. Its conservation guarantees the continuing supply of water for much of Manizales’ population.
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