Volunteer Leadership: Apata Colombia
Type
Peace Entrepreneurship
​Location
Colombia
Years
2017-present
Description
Apata is an eco-social foundation dedicated to preserving Colombia's natural sites and fostering lasting peace since 2017. By collaborating with and training former guerrilla combatants as adventure guides, Apata facilitates their transition from warfare to eco-tourism entrepreneurship. Simultaneously, the organization brings essential support, technology, and digital literacy to remote rural communities, promoting reconciliation and sustainable development.
Recognitions
2021 National Impact Generation Award
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2022 & 2023 Peace Entrepreneurship Finalists
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2024 Peacemaking Latin America Prize
As Co-Founder, Design Director, and Volunteer, I co-lead the organization, driving strategy, partnerships, and funding while overseeing design and marketing. I also train adventure guides, and occasionally lead hiking expeditions, blending strategic leadership with hands-on fieldwork to promote peace and sustainability.
Role
Peace & Memory through Eco-Tourism
Apata fosters peace by training former guerrilla combatants as hiking guides, providing alternatives to illicit practices. Through memory and reconciliation workshops, we educate on the history of rural conflicts, fostering forgiveness and lasting peace. Bringing together people from opposing sides, we promote understanding, friendship, and reconciliation.
Natural Education & Conservation
Apata promotes environmental stewardship through guided expeditions that teach about local ecosystems and conservation. Partnering with organizations like Peñas Blancas and the Ministerio de Ambiente, we fund and lead initiatives such as documenting glacier recession in Parque los Nevados and helping the Almeciga community transition from endemic deforestation to eco-tourism in Parque Nacional Chingaza.
Community Support & Empowerment
Apata empowers marginalized rural communities by training former combatants as adventure guides and supporting them in launching eco-tourism businesses, like Llaneros de Ruana. We amplify their efforts through our digital platforms, promoting their services and helping build sustainable livelihoods.
