LINEAMIENTOS DE MANEJO PARA LAS ÁREAS PROTEGIDAS

The initiative is part of the SISMA (Sistema Municipal de Áreas Protegidas) project, which seeks to conserve and manage protected areas in the region. The Reserva Forestal Protectora Municipal (RFPM) Bosques de Miraflores is one of the protected areas included in the initiative. The RFPM Bosques de Miraflores is a 4,041.26-hectare forest reserve located in the western sector of the municipality, near the Tenche vereda. The reserve is part of the EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín) system of embalses, which has transformed the socio-economic dynamics of the region since the 1960s. The RFPM Bosques de Miraflores is characterized by a Bosque muy húmedo Montano Bajo (bmh-MB) zone of life, with a diverse community of trees, abundant regeneration in the understory, and a closed canopy. The forest is home to several species, including the Mopa mopa or barniz de pasto (Elaeagia pastoensis), which is a valuable species. However, the forest is threatened by various pressures, including the extraction of timber and other forest products, as well as the introduction of exotic species. To address these pressures, the initiative proposes a zonification plan for the RFPM Bosques de Miraflores. The plan categorizes the reserve into four zones: Conservación, Conservación – cuerpo de agua, Restauración, and Uso sostenible. The Conservación zone accounts for 63% of the reserve, while the Uso sostenible zone accounts for 15%. The initiative aims to conserve 70% of the reserve, corresponding to the espejo de agua and areas with natural cover. The objectives of the conservation initiative include restoring and conserving the ecosystems that guarantee the water supply and regulation of the municipality of Carolina del Príncipe. Additionally, the initiative aims to conserve and promote the enjoyment of areas and elements of the landscape that represent references of identity, attachment, and social cohesion, such as the miradores and the network of ancient stone-paved roads in the municipality. The initiative also seeks to increase the capacity of response and adaptation of the municipality of Carolina del Príncipe to social and territorial changes. To achieve these objectives, the initiative proposes a range of activities, including the implementation of a management plan, the establishment of a monitoring system, and the promotion of sustainable use of the forest resources. The initiative is part of the ConservaColombia program, which aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in Colombia. The program is supported by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).