Bogotá, Colombia – February 27, 2025. La Ruta de las Alas marks a turning point in bat conservation in Latin America with the implementation of the region’s first Habitat Bank dedicated to protecting Saccopteryx antioquensis, an insectivorous bat species that is critically endangered. This innovative project is being developed within the Karst Corridor of Eastern Antioquia (CoKOA), an Area of Importance for Bat Conservation (AICOM), and represents an unprecedented effort in biodiversity conservation, promoting concrete actions for the preservation of these crucial habitats.

AICOM is a Latin American conservation strategy that contributes to land management by recognizing habitats critical for a wide diversity of bat species, including unique and/or threatened ones. In the case of Antioquia, the AICOM CoKOA aims to preserve caves and other natural shelters that house over 40 bat species, ensuring the implementation of sustainable strategies to protect these vital ecosystems.

"Our work shows that it is possible to combine science, environmental management, and the involvement of various stakeholders to ensure long-term conservation. The confirmed presence of Saccopteryx antioquensis in the Karst Corridor of Eastern Antioquia motivates us to continue strengthening these processes," commented Diana Cardona, director of the La Ruta de las Alas project.

A Pioneering Conservation Model with Real Impact

Since its rediscovery in 2020, Saccopteryx antioquensis has become a key indicator of the urgent need to conserve biodiversity in Colombia. This species, endemic to the east of Antioquia, faces critical threats such as deforestation and ecosystem fragmentation. To address this issue, La Ruta de las Alas, with support from Terrasos, is designing the first Habitat Bank for bats in Latin America—an innovative mechanism that allows for the restoration and protection of essential ecosystems for their survival.

This model not only protects Saccopteryx antioquensis, but also sets a precedent for the conservation of vulnerable species in Colombia and the region, promoting investment in sustainable, long-term solutions for biodiversity and human community well-being.

Bats: Extraordinary Beings

Throughout history, bats have symbolized the connection between the earthly and the spiritual world. In many cultures, their association with fertility and food abundance led to their representation in ethnic ceramic pieces. However, over time, these creatures have been unjustly linked to myths and legends associated with evil, generating fear and rejection in many communities and facing grave threats such as habitat loss and persecution. Understanding them is the first step toward valuing and protecting these irreplaceable guardians of nature.

Bats perform essential ecological functions: they control pests, pollinate flowers, and disperse seeds, contributing to forest regeneration and ecosystem stability. In Colombia, the second country with the greatest diversity of bats in the world, there are 217 species, of which nine are endangered. Among them is Saccopteryx antioquensis, listed as Endangered (EN) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). La Ruta de las Alas aims to reverse this situation through education and scientific outreach, promoting a new narrative based on evidence and respect for biodiversity.

"This project not only benefits bats, but also opens the door to new forms of conservation based on innovative and sustainable solutions. It’s an example of how environmental investment can generate a real impact on biodiversity," said Cardona, adding, “this project not only benefits bats but also opens the door to new forms of conservation based on innovative and sustainable solutions. It’s an example of how environmental investment can generate real impact on biodiversity."

Environmental Compensation and Business Commitment

La Ruta de las Alas also offers a concrete solution for companies and entities to meet their environmental compensation obligations. Through the Habitat Bank model, the issuance of mandatory and voluntary biodiversity credits is facilitated, which can be purchased by private companies as well as the general public. The funds raised will be allocated to the restoration and protection of the habitat of this species, ensuring its long-term conservation and consolidating a strategy that integrates economic sustainability and biodiversity protection.

“Strategic partnerships are key to generating a real impact on biodiversity and achieving the crucial goals for the preservation of essential habitats. In this project, we play an active role in caring for, conserving, and protecting Saccopteryx antioquensis, as well as preserving caves and other natural shelters, through the Habitat Bank we are implementing. Our goal is not only to foster environmental protection but also to promote the transformation of communities interacting with bat habitats, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all,” emphasized Mariana Sarmiento, CEO of Terrasos.

A Joint Effort for Conservation

This project is developed through the multidisciplinary collaboration of several allied organizations, marking a significant achievement as it combines the vision, experience, and resources of different entities to contribute to wildlife conservation and the well-being of human communities in the study area.

Regarding strategic funding and support, Bat Conservation International (BCI) is involved—a global institution whose mission is to conserve bats and their ecosystems to ensure a healthy planet, achieving lasting conservation victories with the highest standards.

Strategic Partners:

• Terrasos: A company specializing in structuring and operating environmental investments. Its work focuses on four main areas: environmental compensation and investments, impact analysis, intervention strategy development, and information management.

• Colombian Bat Conservation Program (PCMCo): A non-profit initiative dedicated to protecting bats in the country by implementing innovative educational and communicative strategies that engage people.

• Mammalogy Group at the University de Antioquia (CTUA): A research group within the Institute of Biology at the University de Antioquia, focused on conducting research to generate knowledge and data related to wild mammals in Colombia.

• Universidad del Rosario – Biology Program: A program offering solid scientific training with a broad, interdisciplinary perspective, known for its integration of multiple branches of biology and other scientific disciplines to address current global challenges within the framework of sustainable development.

• Cuántico Global Eco Service: A company specializing in knowledge, science, and engineering-based solutions, with a focus on consulting, applied research, and environmental project execution across biotic, social, industry, and territorial dimensions. Their approach integrates various disciplines to address current sustainable development challenges.

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For more information, please contact Giovanni Fonseca Duffó at [email protected] or call 316-834-6115.

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