Skip to main content

CSS Colombia - Fundación Parque Jaime Duque

Overview
About
Our Work
Partners and donors
Groups
Resources
News & Events
More information
CSS Argentina - Fundación Temaikèn CSS Asian Elephant - Columbus Zoo and Wildlife Trust of India CSS Australasia - Zoo and Aquarium Association CSS Behaviour Change - Living Desert CSS Behaviour Change - Zoomarine Portugal CSS Biodiversity Banking - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance CSS Brazil - Parque das Aves CSS Cats - The Big Cat Sanctuary CSS Cologne Zoo CSS Colombia - Fundación Parque Jaime Duque CSS France - AFdPZ CSS Freshwater - Shedd Aquarium CSS Human Dimensions CSS India - Wildlife Trust of India CSS Ireland - Dublin Zoo CSS Macaronesia - Loro Parque Fundación CSS Marine - Georgia Aquarium CSS Marine - Oceanário de Lisboa CSS New Mexico CSS Nigeria - APLORI CSS Papua New Guinea CSS Small Mammals - Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tirol CSS Southeast Asia - Mandai Nature Singapore CSS Trees - Morton Arboretum CSS United Kingdom - Hertfordshire Zoo CSS Wilhelma Global CSS - Indianapolis Zoo
In page menu
CSS Annual Reports

The Center for Species Survival Colombia (CSS Colombia), established in 2025 in Tocancipa, Colombia, is a partnership between the IUCN SSC Chair’s Office and Funadación, the host institution. The CSS Colombia serves as a national hub to capitalize on the experience and tools of the IUCN network to help governments, NGOs and communities achieve their conservation goals.

Colombia’s geographic location, combined with its wide variety of climates, elevations, and ecosystems, makes it the second most biodiverse country in the world, according to the Colombian Ministry of Science. It currently ranks first in terms of bird, orchid, and butterfly diversity, and it is estimated that nearly 10% of global biodiversity is found within our territory. However, this natural wealth faces significant challenges, including habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, climate change, overexploitation of natural resources, the introduction of invasive species, and illegal wildlife trafficking.

 

About our work

In this context, one of the main objectives of CSS Colombia is to consolidate and expand the strategic support and capabilities needed to catalyze assessment, planning, and action processes aimed at the conservation of Colombian species. To this end, it is essential to strengthen strategic partnerships that promote joint and coordinated actions for the protection of the country’s ecosystems. This objective is being realized through the consolidation of an Alliance for the Species of Colombia, led by the Jaime Duque Park Foundation, in coordination with the Colombian Species Specialist Group, the network of the Species Survival Commission (SSC), and various national and international stakeholders, including government agencies, conservation nongovernmental organizations, universities, and community actors.
 

Supporting the Species Conservation

1
Colombian endemic species

This project aims to strengthen species conservation in Colombia by developing a national biodiversity database and supporting the assessment and updating of species for the National Red List. In collaboration with the SSC Colombian Species Specialist Group, and other Taxonomic Specialist Groups, conservation organizations, and local experts, the initiative will help identify species that require evaluation, align national assessments with global Red Lists, and reduce critical information gaps. The project will also support the identification of priority species for conservation action, contributing to more effective biodiversity management and decision-making nationwide.

2
Species Conservation Planning efforts

This project supports the development of a National Species Conservation Planning in Colombia through collaboration with the national government, the Colombian SSG, and conservation experts. The initiative will also review existing conservation plans to evaluate their effectiveness using the One Plan Approach and conservation planning methodologies, helping strengthen coordinated and science-based actions for species conservation nationwide.

3
Together for the conservation actions

This project aims to strengthen national conservation translocation efforts in Colombia by increasing the technical capacity of Fundación Parque Jaime Duque and key stakeholders in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group. The initiative will also support the development of national translocation guidelines to promote coordinated, science-based, and effective species recovery and conservation actions.

Meet our team

Rafael Torres
Rafael Torres

CEO

CEO of Fundación Parque Jaime Duque and Manager of the Nature Conservation Objective. He leads the Foundation’s institutional conservation strategy, guiding projects focused on biodiversity protection and the strengthening of environmental management. He has led initiatives for the conservation of species and ecosystems, building partnerships with public entities, scientific organizations, and local communities. His management approach is grounded in strategic planning, evidence-based decision-making, and interinstitutional cooperation, positioning the Foundation as a key actor in biodiversity conservation in Colombia.

EXPERTISE: Species conservation action

Natalia Agudelo
Natalia Agudelo

Director of Scientific Research and Public Health

Veterinarian with an MSc and PhD in Public Health. Undergraduate and graduate professor and researcher at Universidad de La Salle and Fundación Universitaria San Martín. She has over 15 years of experience in public health, particularly in project formulation, evaluation, and research. She currently serves as Director of Scientific Research and Public Health at the Foundation. She is a member of the Animal Health and Welfare Observatory (OCSBA), the Veterinary Public Health Network, and several research groups.

EXPERTISE: Species conservation science

Luisa Vargas
Luisa Vargas

Species Survival Head Officer

Luisa Vargas is the Head Officer of the Colombia Species Survival Center and Fundación Parque Jaime Duque. She is a biologist from the Universidad del Rosario. Her academic interests lie in the areas of ethology, ecology, and conservation of wild mammals.  .

EXPERTISE: Species conservation action, Species conservation science

Mauricio Mancipe
Mauricio Mancipe

Director of Communications

Mauricio Mancipe is Director of Communications at the Foundation. He leads the institutional communications strategy, brand positioning, and media relations, aligning messaging across departments to promote the Foundation’s conservation, education, and environmental management projects. He coordinates the production of content, campaigns, and strategic narratives that strengthen the visibility and social impact of institutional initiatives. His work integrates strategic communication, educational outreach, and environmental awareness, contributing to the consolidation of the Foundation’s reputation and expanding the reach of conservation actions in Colombia.

Photo: Fundación Parque Jaime Duque

Photo: Fundación Parque Jaime Duque

Photo: Fundación Parque Jaime Duque

CSS Annual Reports

Learn about the CSS's work and results.