III Forum “Youth Against Deforestation”

• A space for youth reflection and action, where the new generations bravely confront one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our territory.

 

Florencia, Caquetá. June 20, 2025. In the heart of San Vicente del Caguán (Caquetá), an echo of hope and commitment to the planet resonated at the III Forum – Youth Against Deforestation. In commemoration of World Environment Day, this event became a beacon of reflection and action for the new generations, facing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the fight against deforestation. In this space, students from the San José de Caquetanía Rural Educational Institution, representatives of the National Strategy for Rural Youth of the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation – AGROSAVIA, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, presented a captivating paper titled: Beekeeping as a Strategy to Conserve and Stop Deforestation: Honey that sweetens and stops the axe.

Each beehive they establish symbolizes an act of resistance: a firm “no” to deforestation and an enthusiastic “yes” to the ecosystem services that sustain life. In this space, the youth not only harvest honey but also sow dignity and a deep love for their beautiful green territory.

In this exchange of ideas, teachers, producers, and parents came together in an enriching dialogue, where beekeeping, presented as part of their Pedagogical Productive Project (PPP), was highlighted not only as a sustainable practice but also as a symbol of hope for a greener future. Thus, the forum was not just an event, but a seed planted in the fertile soil of environmental consciousness, nurturing the commitment of youth determined to protect their home.

In their presentation, the students from the San José de Caquetanía Rural Educational Institution explained how beekeeping, the ancient art of raising and caring for bees, stands as a vital pillar for the balance of our environment and the conservation of biodiversity. Bees, small but powerful, not only gift us the sweetness of honey, the richness of wax, and pollen, but also serve as tireless pollinators, enabling countless plants and crops to bloom and thrive.

Fostering knowledge and the practice of beekeeping is crucial, as it presents itself as a sustainable alternative that protects our forests and stops deforestation. Rather than sacrificing trees for destructive activities, beekeeping offers communities a source of income that respects and preserves the natural environment. Furthermore, by maintaining healthy ecosystems, it safeguards the plant and animal species that depend on these hardworking creatures.

Therefore, it is imperative that we all immerse ourselves in the world of beekeeping, raising awareness in our community about the need to care for the environment and protect our forests from indiscriminate logging. Seeking solutions that promote the conservation of nature in our region is a shared duty. Supporting beekeeping is, in essence, supporting life itself, caring for the environment, and opening doors to a more sustainable future for all.

This event was organized by the Domingo Savio Educational Institution and the Interinstitutional Committee for Environmental Education (CIDEA) of the San Vicente del Caguán municipality.

Through its participation in these spaces, AGROSAVIA provides the opportunity to share valuable experiences that enrich and empower Rural Youth. These interactions foster new ways of living and safeguarding life while nurturing green hope in this amazing Amazon region.