Global perspective Human stories

FROM THE FIELD: Hardy seeds bear fruit to protect Colombia’s environment

The use of native species of rice helps prevent the contamination caused by mercury from illegal mining.
UNDP Colombia
The use of native species of rice helps prevent the contamination caused by mercury from illegal mining.

FROM THE FIELD: Hardy seeds bear fruit to protect Colombia’s environment

Climate and Environment

Communities in Colombia in South America are being helped by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to preserve and reintroduce indigenous crops as a way to combat the effects of climate change.

In the community’s newly-built seed bank, bottles are catalogued with species’ names, so that locals can sow, distribute, and exchange them with other communities.
Photo: UNDP | In the community’s newly-built seed bank, bottles are catalogued with species’ names, so that locals can sow, distribute, and exchange them with other communities.

The Antioquia region, a key agricultural area, has experienced steadily rising temperatures and now dry seasons are lasting longer. Rains, when they arrive, are more intense and often lead to flooding.

In response, local farmers have been working with the UN to identify crops which are more resistant to drought and flooding.

Seeds, including cashew, loquat and tamarind have been collected using age-old indigenous knowledge and now the efforts of farmers are beginning to bear fruit.