The forests of South America are nature’s masterpiece—vivid emerald canopies that hum with life, sheltering jaguars, howler monkeys, and countless other species found nowhere else on Earth. These vibrant landscapes, often called the lungs of our planet, are critical to stabilizing the climate and sustaining biodiversity. Yet, these irreplaceable ecosystems face a dire threat: deforestation. Agricultural expansion is responsible for nearly 90% of global deforestation, with over half of forest loss caused by the conversion of forests into cropland and almost 40 percent by livestock grazing, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Global Remote Sensing Survey. In 2022, ReWorld joined forces with Fundación Proyecto Tití to champion a reforestation initiative in Northern Colombia. In this region, the battle to preserve biodiversity meets the challenge of sustainable development.

Deforestation in South America, driven by weak regulations, economic pressures, and demand for commodities such as beef and soy, degrades ecosystems, harms biodiversity, and disrupts livelihoods. The project focuses on the Santa Helena Preserve, a 956-acre stretch of degraded land near Los Colorados National Park. To raise $1.2 million, the initiative sought to secure the land, collaborate with local communities to create sustainable income opportunities, and begin the transformative reforestation process. Beyond the headlines about the Amazon, this effort sheds light on the widespread deforestation affecting South America and highlights the grassroots movements striving to restore balance to these extraordinary landscapes.

Map of the Santa Helana lands Proyecto Titi purchased to reforest — The Santa Helena Project lands

Northern Colombia is the only home to the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin, a species that has suffered greatly from habitat loss. The Santa Helena preserve represented a crucial step in reversing this trend. The Santa Helena preserve offers a unique opportunity to create a biodiversity corridor that connects fragmented forest areas. By restoring the area to its natural state, Proyecto Tití and ReWorld aim to create an interconnected forest corridor that would provide a refuge for the tamarins and over 600 other species. The project’s scope includes planting 800,000 native trees and sequestering five million metric tons of CO₂, contributing significantly to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

The overall vision of this collaboration is to create a sustainable, thriving ecosystem that benefits both nature and local communities. In addition to environmental restoration, the project aims to support local development by providing employment opportunities. It will create 25 permanent and seasonal jobs, directly supporting approximately 125 people. The restoration budget, valued at $220,000 annually, will channel funds to local businesses, fostering economic growth while prioritizing conservation.

Proyecto Titi

Founded in 1985, Proyecto Tití has worked tirelessly to protect the endangered cotton-top tamarin, a species unique to Colombia. Beginning in Colosó and later relocating to Santa Catalina at Hacienda El Ceibal, this initiative is driven by Colombian biologists and local field staff under Fundación Proyecto Tití.

Rosamira Guillén Monroy, a champion for Colombian conservation, is the founder and Executive Director of Fundación Proyecto Tití. She envisions the program as a model for effective conservation practices. Her leadership has inspired a movement to protect Colombia's natural heritage while empowering communities to become conservation advocates. Through Proyecto Tití, Guillén's work not only preserves a critical species but also fosters a conservation legacy that benefits both local Colombians and global biodiversity.

Rosamira Guillén Monroy at the ReWorld Donor Event in California, April 2023

The Curious Case of the Cotton-top Tamarins

The cotton-top tamarin, one of the most captivating and critically endangered primates, is found only in the forests of northern Colombia, particularly around Los Colorados National Park and the Santa Helena region. With their striking mane of white hair and expressive eyes, squirrel-sized cotton-top tamarins use nimble, claw-like nails to leap between trees. These social primates live in close-knit family groups, where parents and group members cooperate to raise their young, often born as twins, and share the duties of foraging, defense, and childcare.

Cotton-top tamarins play a vital role in their ecosystem as natural seed dispersers, helping sustain tropical forest biodiversity. They consume seeds larger than those eaten by much larger primates, and their digestive process enhances seed germination, making their presence essential for forest regeneration. However, due to intense deforestation, these tamarins are losing access to food and safe territory, leading to increased predator threats and competition. Today, only about 5% of their original habitat remains, putting their population in grave danger and underscoring the urgent need for preservation efforts such as the Santa Helena project.

What We Did: Our Comprehensive Approach

Proyecto Titi and ReWorld joined forces to preserve the tropical dry forests of northwestern Colombia. Our project combined on-the-ground restoration with innovative, science-backed conservation tools and robust community engagement. Here’s a look at how we brought our conservation vision to life:

Science-driven Reforestation and Ecosystem Restoration

Through rigorous ecosystem analysis and scenario planning, we assisted PT in estimating carbon capture using advanced AI models. By leveraging digital “twins” of the project landscape, we monitored carbon capture metrics to precisely assess canopy cover, species composition, and CO₂ sequestration potential over 40 years. This approach ensures that our analysis supports PT in aligning their reforestation efforts with the highest environmental impact standards, using a mix of native species to foster long-term forest recovery and climate resilience in this unique and fragile ecosystem.

"Name Your Forest" Initiative: Community-Funded Forest Model

We introduced a unique opportunity for individuals worldwide to invest directly in the conservation of this tropical forest. Our Name Your Forest model allows donors to name their “personal forest” in honor of themselves, a loved one, or a friend. This name is prominently displayed on public maps, search engines, and Proyecto Tití’s website, ensuring the contribution is recognized globally. The donors, on the other hand, were inspired to contribute to our community-funded forest model because it offers a tangible and meaningful way to combat climate change while preserving tropical forests. The opportunity to make a personal impact, own a piece of conservation, and actively support the planet’s future resonated deeply, bringing them both joy and a sense of purpose.

Personalized Physical Maps: Bringing the Forest into Your Home

To deepen the connection between project donors and the impact of conservation efforts, we created personalized, interactive maps. Each map displays the specific acreage of forest preserved through a donation, along with scientific data quantifying the donation’s environmental impact, such as the number of trees planted and the CO₂ offset. The map includes a unique QR code for real-time updates, allowing donors to track the ongoing progress of their conservation impact at any time. Crafted sustainably from locally sourced, upcycled materials, these maps celebrate local craftsmanship and serve as a daily inspiration to continue supporting our planet.

Corporate Partnerships for Long-Term Impact

We collaborated with businesses to amplify conservation impact through partnerships. Corporate sponsors receive recognition through named sections of the forest, offering them an inspiring legacy and a private retreat experience in Colombia’s thriving wildlife sanctuary. This partnership model integrates meaningful ecological impact with unique corporate social responsibility opportunities, blending environmental stewardship with unforgettable experiences for corporate partners.

Engaging Global Audiences through Marketing and Social Media

To raise awareness and drive funding, we launched a robust marketing and social media campaign. Our storytelling approach focused on the beauty of Colombia’s unique ecosystems, the vital role of cotton-top tamarins, and the community-centered aspects of our project. Through targeted campaigns, ReWorld reached global audiences, inspiring them to invest in a tangible conservation project that offers both immediate ecological benefits and a sustainable model for future growth.

Transforming Conservation into Impact

In March 2024, Proyecto Titi and ReWorld successfully raised $1.2 million, enabling the purchase of the Santa Helena Preserve in Northern Colombia—an area spanning 956 acres. This vital step makes a significant contribution to protecting endangered species and restoring vital ecosystems.

We have already planted over 120,000 native trees across 1,400 acres of former agricultural land. ReWorld’s next step is to help Proyecto Tití secure carbon credits at the most cost-effective rate, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries and reducing fees.

The long-term impact of the Santa Helena Preserve

Scaling a Conservation Legacy

Proyecto Titi’s long-term goal is to restore more than 100,000 acres with over 5 million trees, establishing a continuous 30 km biodiversity corridor. This reforestation effort will remove over 140,000 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere over the next 40 years, an amount equivalent to the total annual carbon emissions of the British Virgin Islands. By supporting NGOs like Proyecto Tití, ReWorld aims to help them generate high-quality carbon credit income more quickly and efficiently, ultimately reinvesting in conservation efforts and local communities.

Looking ahead, the Santa Helena project offers a powerful model for sustainable biodiversity conservation and climate action. While significant progress has been made, continued support and innovative partnerships are critical to ensuring long-term ecosystem restoration, protecting endangered species, and empowering local communities. ReWorld’s ongoing efforts with Proyecto Tití are just the beginning of a future where nature, people, and the planet thrive together.

Proyecto Tití and ReWorld: Pioneering a New Model for Conservation