Protect ecosystems through nature-based reserves

Corona, a Colombian multinational with over 140 years of experience in home, construction, and industrial sectors, recognized the environmental impact of its mining operations and sought to balance resource extraction with ecosystem protection. The company identified deforestation, water use, and biodiversity loss as critical risks and committed to restoring ecosystems in its areas of influence through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).

Location of the Initiative: Departments of Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Tolima, and Boyacá, Colombia

Since 2013, Corona’s Industrial Inputs Division has established five Civil Society Nature Reserves covering 90.4 hectares in areas influenced by its mining operations. Each reserve preserves key Andean forest ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and contributes to watershed protection.

Key steps:

1. Reserve formation: Creation and registration of Lusitania, La Cabaña, Cerro Verde, and Arrayán Alto reserves under the National Natural Parks framework.

2. Ecosystem protection: Implementation of environmental management plans to conserve cloud and high Andean forests, protect water sources, and maintain biological corridors.

3. Community engagement: Collaboration with community action boards, ecological clubs, and rural schools to co-manage reserves and monitor biodiversity.

4. Training and capacity building: Training 250 local residents using the LEA methodology (Leadership, Scouting, and Agroecology) and establishing eight Eco Guardians of Water Clubs.

5. Restoration and infrastructure: Reforestation of over 30,000 native trees, restoration of riverbanks, and installation of 26 septic systems in households and rural schools to reduce water pollution.

Sustainability impact

Climate

The reserves contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration potential of 150 tCO₂/ha/year. The conservation of native forests helps regulate local climate and supports ecosystem resilience.

Nature

The initiative protects biodiversity across multiple Andean ecosystems, supports flora and fauna monitoring, and preserves essential water sources for the Buey, Piedras, Cocare, and La Cebada rivers. The protected areas function as wildlife corridors and refuges for migratory species.

Social

Local communities benefit from sustainable livelihood opportunities through ecotourism and environmental education. The program strengthens the social fabric and environmental stewardship in surrounding rural areas, improving quality of life and access to clean water.

Business Impact

Benefits

• Enhanced social license to operate in mining zones.

• Long-term water security and reduced environmental liabilities.

• Strengthened community relations and corporate reputation.

• Contribution to Colombia’s national biodiversity and climate adaptation goals.

Costs

The initiative required investments in land conservation, restoration, and training. Costs were mitigated through partnerships with public institutions, NGOs, and academic entities, ensuring scalability and shared value creation.

Typical Business Profile

Relevant for extractive industries, construction material producers, and manufacturing companies seeking to integrate Nature-Based Solutions into land and resource management.

Approach

1. Identify areas of ecological and hydrological importance near operational sites.

2. Engage local communities and authorities to co-create conservation objectives.

3. Register areas as Civil Society Nature Reserves.

4. Implement reforestation, water protection, and biodiversity monitoring plans.

5. Train communities to manage restoration projects and ecotourism ventures.

Stakeholders Involved

• Project Leads: Industrial Inputs Division and Environmental Affairs Team.

• Company Functions: Sustainability, Operations, and Community Relations.

• Main Partners: Local Community Action Boards, EcoClubs, National Natural Parks of Colombia, and regional universities.

• Other Actors: Social and Environmental Foundation, SIDAP (Departmental Protected Areas System), and local municipalities.

Key Parameters to Consider

• Initiative maturity: Proven, replicable Nature-Based Solutions approach.

• Implementation period: 10+ years (2013–present).

• Lifetime: Long-term conservation and community stewardship model.

• Geographic specificity: Andean ecosystems, high biodiversity regions.

• External dependencies: Land tenure clarity, community participation, and legal frameworks.

Implementation and Operations Tips

• Work closely with local communities to ensure shared ownership and cultural alignment.

• Prioritize reforestation with native species adapted to local conditions.

• Integrate biodiversity monitoring into corporate reporting frameworks.

• Build alliances with academic and governmental organizations for scientific validation and continuity.