Flamingo Conservation on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast 

In the brackish marshes of Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, you’ll find one of the largest and most social bird species – the American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) gathered in flocks of hundreds. 

This wetland system, between the sea and tropical dry forests of the Guajira Peninsula, serves as a vital feeding ground for diverse wildlife, including ducks, herons, hummingbirds, and flamingos. These magnificent birds get their brilliant pink hue from carotenoids found in the water’s algae and shrimp. But the area holds a deep significance to the Indigenous Wayúu community, who protect the Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary on the peninsula. 

A New Partnership in Biocultural Conservation 

In 2026, the Amazon Conservation Team will begin an exciting partnership with the Wayúu to support conservation of the American flamingo and the coastal ecosystems these birds help sustain. 

“This project lays the foundations for a conservation model to protect coastal ecosystems and keystone species through Indigenous-led conservation efforts and the revitalization of associated Indigenous knowledge,” says Juan Carlos Cruz, Manager of Science and Conservation for Amazon Conservation Team. 

The Amazon Conservation Team has partnered with over 400 Indigenous and local communities to protect critical ecosystems and support communities throughout Amazonia, as well as coastal areas from Mexico to Colombia. Through our Ancestral Tides marine initiative, we have successfully hatched more than 150,000 sea turtles, protected 1,500 sea turtle nests, and supported Indigenous and locally led stewardship of more than 80 kilometers of coastline. Now, we’re excited to expand these efforts to conservation of the American flamingo, while also helping to sustain local indigenous knowledge and traditions.  

“Traditional Indigenous knowledge has often been undervalued,” Cruz explains, “but it is crucial for conservation, as it represents thousands of years of observation, adaptation, and coexistence with the environment.” 

Protecting Flamingos, Traditional Knowledge and Livelihoods

This partnership with the Wayúu will enhance their ongoing biological monitoring efforts of the wetlands and flamingo populations. It will also help train local guides who can educate both community members and visitors about the flamingos and their habitat. This approach will help generate income to support local livelihoods while ensuring the wetlands remain protected for future generations. The new funds will also support the mapping of 18 sacred sites along the middle Guajira for the Kogui, Arhuaco and Wayúu peoples, building on ACT’s previous work in mapping sacred sites across these communities. 

Women Supporting the Mission  

The flamingo conservation project with the Wayúu was made possible in part by a grant from beauty brand Chantecaille. The Flamingo Collection gives back a portion of proceeds to the Amazon Conservation Team. The partnership is particularly fitting not only because of the iconic beauty flamingos represent, but also because Wayúu Indigenous culture is matriarchal. Women play important roles as leaders and organizers within society, remaining politically active and representing their people in public spaces — and it is these women who are at the forefront of this conservation work, too. 

Through indigenous-led conservation efforts, we hope the flamingo, a migratory bird and symbol of the Wayúu people, will return to the lagoons of the Guijara for generations to come.