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Juancito and the Sign That Protects the Forest

Wednesday, April 22, 2026· 10.4269, -75.2438

Juancito and the Sign That Protects the Forest

By Alejandro Rigatuso, Fundador y Director de Fundación Loros


There is a green sign planted at the edge of the property, where the open ground meets the shadow of the forest. It says what cannot be done here: no hunting, no burning, no logging. It is managed by Fundación Loros and Inversiones Riman S.A.S., and cameras watch over it around the clock. That day, José Marín came from the Foundation to carry out an inspection visit to the protected area, near Cartagena. He was accompanied by Juancito, one of the local campesinos. He stood beside the sign with his thumb raised and his rubber boots firmly planted, like a man who knows that patch of land better than anyone. There was no need for many words — the photograph told the whole story. The forest behind him, the sun overhead, and that man posing beside the rules he himself helps to uphold.

About the author

Alejandro Rigatuso · Fundador y Director de Fundación Loros

Alejandro Rigatuso arrived at Fundación Loros after years as Vice President of Growth Marketing at Toptal, bringing with him an unconventional perspective: he knows an animal is well by its eyes, "bright, wide open." Lorenzo, the first parrot released, recaptured several times and always set free to fly again, marked him forever. At dusk, around five-thirty, you'll find him at the Mirador de las Ciénagas or wandering around Cerro El Peligro, envisioning observation towers and hundreds of native parrots soaring over a reserve that an entire community calls their own.

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