Bosques Para El Agua, Lebrija River Basin

Initiated in 2018, the Forests for Water landscape programme operates in the Middle Lebrija River sub-basin in Santander, Colombia, targeting oil palm value chains. It aims to balance sustainable palm production with water protection and ecosystem conservation along this important Andean watershed. 

Context

The initiative spans the Upper to Middle Lebrija basin - home to streams, swamps, and marshes that support water security, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. Production includes about 53,000 ha of oil palm, largely smallholder owned (1 - 5 ha plots). The region has suffered deforestation near riparian zones and pollution from processing, affecting ecosystems and community wellbeing. 

Activities & Proforest’s role 

Proforest facilitated multistakeholder governance by engaging local authorities, palm millers, smallholders, and NGOs to identify landscape priorities and align interventions. Key activities included: 

• Designing landscape management tools and governance frameworks 

• Running three “Forests & Water” workshops focused on nursery management, fragment enrichment, and riparian restoration 

• Strengthening dialogue between palm producers and downstream river users to address riparian deforestation and waste impacts 

Objectives 

The programme aims to conserve and enhance water resources and ecosystems by promoting no-deforestation palm cultivation, restoring riparian forest fragments, improving watershed health, and elevating smallholder livelihoods through sustainable practices. 

Results & Achievements 

The programme has achieved the following results: 

• Three landscape‑scale workshops attended by over 100 participants - including smallholders, Fedepalma, Cenipalma, Fruto Social de la Palma, and palm mill representatives 

• Identified engagement priorities: nursery establishment for native trees, fragment enrichment, and buffer restoration along waterways 

• Built a strong local network involving growers, unions, certification bodies, and local implementers 

Donors, partners & funding 

The initiative is supported by Cargill and implemented in collaboration with Fedepalma, Cenipalma, and Proforest.