Students from Guainía Explore the Captive Breeding of Ornamental Fish in Matavén
As part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and environmental education, the REDD+ Matavén Project had the pleasure of welcoming 10 tenth-grade students from the Ecological Agricultural Production technical program at the Custodio García Rovira Institute, in partnership with SENA Guainía.
During their visit, the students toured the ornamental fish laboratory and the collection center of our Captive Breeding of Ornamental Fish Project, located in Inírida and implemented in collaboration with FUNINDES. They gained hands-on knowledge about sustainability, the reproduction of native species, responsible water management, and the importance of adopting productive practices that help protect the rich biodiversity of the Orinoquía and Colombian Amazon.
Launched in July 2021, this project works with families from three Indigenous communities in Matavén Zone 3: Pueblo Nuevo Zama, La Urbana, and Pueblo Escondido. Its goals are clear: reduce pressure on aquatic ecosystems, protect endemic species, prevent overexploitation of natural resources, and create sustainable income opportunities for local Indigenous communities.
As more countries ban the sale of ornamental fish captured from the wild, captive breeding is becoming a viable, ethical, and promising alternative for sustainable economic development. Matavén is preparing to lead this transition by refining laboratory-based breeding techniques and transferring this knowledge to the communities themselves.
This visit is a powerful example of how education can transform when it connects directly with the environmental and cultural realities of a territory. We are deeply grateful to the students, teachers, and partners for their interest, commitment, and participation. From REDD+ Matavén, we remain dedicated to strengthening the link between knowledge, action, and respect for nature.