From 16 to 22 November 2025, the fourth edition of the Sustainability Leadership Journey (SLJ), an initiative of the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), brought together young leaders from different countries to connect ancestral knowledge and science around the protection of lakes and wetlands.
Coordinated by Fundación Humedales and Global Nature Fund, the Journey became a space for cultural, spiritual and scientific exchange, reaffirming the vital role of lakes and wetlands as sources of life, cultural identity and resilience in the face of climate change.
The official opening was led by Brigitte Baptiste, Rector of EAN University and one of Latin America’s most influential voices on biodiversity. Addressing the young leaders, Baptiste emphasized the urgency of protecting aquatic ecosystems and called for immediate action: “This is the moment to act.”
The SLJ began its field activities at Iguaque Lagoon, where participants were guided by Francisco Peña, a local naturalist guide from Villa de Leyva. Peña highlighted that this ecosystem is far more than a water source: it nourishes mountain systems, feeds rivers within the Suárez River basin, and sustains communities far beyond its immediate surroundings. “Protecting the lagoon means protecting the way people feel, think and act,” he explained.
At Fúquene Lagoon, participants shared experiences with Mamo Senchina, Saga María and their family, who conveyed the spiritual dimension of the lagoon and its role within ancestral worldviews. The group navigated the lagoon’s waters and carried out a traditional pagamento ceremony as an act of gratitude. During the visit, Jairo Valderrama, Environmental Education Coordinator at Fundación Humedales, highlighted the biological richness of the basin and stressed the importance of collective, community-based action for its conservation.
The programme was complemented by local gastronomy, visits to nurseries and forest restoration areas, and hands-on learning of traditional weaving techniques using bulrush, cattail and wool, strengthening the connection between cultural heritage and ecosystem stewardship.
Youth voices expanding the global perspective
Participants’ contributions broadened the scope of the exchange, linking local realities with global conservation challenges.
From the Dominican Republic, Samuel King (CEBSE) highlighted the urgency of protecting Samaná Bay, a key breeding ground for North Atlantic humpback whales, currently threatened by underwater noise pollution and maritime traffic.
Thaiza Pereira, from Brazil, shared lessons learned from wetland restoration efforts and the conservation of the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve, a biome that has lost more than 85% of its original extent.
Colombian biologist Daniel Felipe Mesa, from Sogamoso, presented his work monitoring the Apolinar’s Wren (Cistothorus apolinari), a critically endangered bird species. Mesa underlined the importance of connecting field-based research in Colombia with conservation initiatives across other lakes in the Global South.
From Mexico, Manuel Alejandro Pérez, representing the Instituto Corazón de la Tierra, highlighted the significance of Lake Chapala, a Ramsar site since 2009 and a key source of drinking water for the city of Guadalajara, which currently faces major sustainability challenges.
Finally, Franco Villalba, from Peru, shared his vision of replicating the SLJ experience at Lake Titicaca, integrating biodiversity conservation with ancestral worldviews and local governance approaches.
Organised by Fundación Humedales and Global Nature Fund, the Sustainability Leadership Journey 2025 is part of the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), funded by BMUV through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and supported by German Postcode Lottery, Kärcher, Lonza, Ground Lake, Georg Fischer Foundation, and numerous individual donors.
By bringing together local and global voices, the SLJ demonstrates that science, culture and community-based approaches are deeply interconnected and essential for the long-term protection and sustainable management of lakes and wetlands worldwide.