2020 Benefitting Society Highly Commended: Universidad del Norte - Colombia

Universidad del Norte - University activism for the conservation of ecosystems 

The project stands out mainly for the reforestation activity of the mangrove forest through the social mobilization of students and teachers from Universidad del Norte. The university campus becomes a space where society can be empowered about the importance of ecosystem goods and services. During the last 6 years, Ecocampus has promoted a space in which students, teachers and citizens in general can get involved on harvesting mangrove seeds (propagulos) in the Mallorquín swamp, planting and care of the mangrove plants during the growth period in the Living Classroom of the Universidad del Norte and the subsequent phase of reforestation in the natural park: Isla Salamanca. More than 2000 people have participated in all the processes, including students, teachers and citizens in general. The students who participate are from different careers and each year they organize and look forward to the beginning of the project. 

Top three learnings: 

1. We are a benchmark in the Caribbean and we must encourage social mobilization around environmental issues. 
2. Our project seeks to promote the conservation of ecosystems through student engagement and activism. 
3. We recognize the importance of integrating different population groups to environmental stewardship and conservation activities. 

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)