Luis Carlos Vélez

Conservationist who protected Amazon biodiversity through innovative community partnerships

Luis Carlos Vélez (b. 1958) revolutionized environmental conservation in Colombia through his work with indigenous communities. As director of the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IAvH), he pioneered participatory conservation models that empowered local populations to manage protected areas. His 1990s initiative with the Tukano people created the first indigenous-led forest reserve in the Colombian Amazon, combining traditional knowledge with modern ecological science. Vélez developed the 'biocultural corridors' concept, connecting protected areas through community-managed zones that balance conservation with sustainable agriculture. His 2002 book 《Amazonia: Conservation and Sustainable Development》 became a blueprint for Latin American conservation strategies. Vélez's work with the WWF Colombia established the 1.4 million-hectare Chiribiquete National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. His training programs have certified over 500 indigenous leaders as environmental stewards, creating a replicable model adopted in Peru and Brazil. Vélez's legacy includes a 70% reduction in deforestation rates in project areas while improving local livelihoods through eco-tourism and organic cacao production.