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Women for Areas for Wellbeing: Leading Conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean

Writer: Celebración Áreas Protegidas, Conservadas y su gente en LACCelebración Áreas Protegidas, Conservadas y su gente en LAC
Mar 24 min read

In the framework of International Women's Day, the campaign ‘Women for Areas for Wellbeing’ is launched on 8 March as part of the Celebration of Protected and Conserved Areas of Latin America and the Caribbean (APyC LAC). This initiative integrates governments, businesses, civil society organisations and local communities to make visible and strengthen the protection of 178 protected areas with 195 celebrations organised in 14 countries and 450 annual visualisations -free and accessible annual trainings on key concepts for the well-being of the region- (data 2020-2024).




In 2024, 70 women-led celebrations were registered. For example, in Santos Luzardo National Park (Venezuela), led by Fidelmar Elida Acosta Ceballo, a recreational day was held that integrated traditions and ancestral knowledge of the Hiwi people; in El Leoncito National Park (Argentina), Sofia Nazar coordinated stargazing to raise awareness of the importance of conservation; and in Espíritu Santo State Reserve (Mexico), Mariel Corona González led a herpetofauna (reptile) tour to raise awareness of the protection of local species.


Our gender approach is an essential pillar of the APyC LAC Celebration. Ten key considerations have been established:

  • Equal participation and leadership: We ensure equal opportunities for women and people of diverse genders in decision-making roles, for example in the representation of women on the management team and ambassadors.

  • Inclusive selection of ambassadors: We ensure equal representation, integrating indigenous women, women of African descent and women from local communities. This is highlighted in the prominence of sessions during LAC Protected and Conserved Areas Day events (17 October) or in our social networks.

  • Trainings with a gender perspective: Trainings address leadership, equity and territorial rights, focusing efforts on updating them for 2025, from a rights perspective in a prominent way.

  • Access to resources and tools: We facilitate conditions for digital and in-language access. Our website, networks, reports and events are maintained with great effort in the three languages of the region.

  • Safe and violence-free spaces: Robust protocols prevent and respond to cases of gender-based violence. We have clear VALUES: COLLABORATION CO MANAGEMENT Dialogue, cooperation, adaptation, unified vision. Support for new leadership. IDENTITY Latin America and the Caribbean has values, experience and benchmark initiatives. Our Natural and Cultural Heritage guides us. INCLUSION

    We seek to overcome barriers so that the diversity of people, organisations and governments of LAC can join us. Equity to Celebrate. Also with equity criteria that all of us must consider: https://view.genially.com/60dbaefc5ba2510d07903588/interactive-content-integrads-para-celebrar

  • Recognition of traditional knowledge: The role of women in environmental management is made visible. We have a leading approach in this regard and an item to celebrate that promotes this approach in the organisation of celebrations, activities and projects to value the APyC according to their conservation priorities.

  • Accessibility and family reconciliation: Events and activities with flexible schedules and family-friendly spaces.

  • Alliances with women's organisations: Strategic links with feminist and conservationist networks. At COP16 we supported the women's agenda together with the Women's CAUCUS of the Convention on Biological Diversity, among other milestones.

  • Gender-responsive impact measurement: Specific indicators assess women's participation and leadership, which we share in our networks and in the Women for Areas for Wellbeing campaign.

During 2024, 28 women-led celebrations were registered. The distribution by country shows a significant representation: Venezuela 8, Colombia 5, Peru 5, Argentina 4, Ecuador 3, Bolivia 3, Mexico 2, and Uruguay 1: Healthy life (30%), Agreements for the future (25%), Knowledge and innovations (20%), Economies for life (15%) and Art in all its dimensions (10%).

  • Narratives and equitable visibility: We communicate inclusive stories, avoiding stereotypes. We strive to disseminate territorial celebrations and efforts through various channels (see country celebrations on social media, for example).

  • Empowering women and people of diverse genders not only strengthens conservation management, but also contributes to social equity and respect for human rights - especially the rights of access to information, participation and environmental justice. This inclusive approach has proven to be essential for effective conservation and for the protection of local communities and their traditional knowledge, generating a positive impact on regional biodiversity.

  • The recognition and integration of the ancestral knowledge of indigenous and local women is crucial to face environmental challenges.


For all these reasons, "La Celebración" proposes concrete actions, such as training with a gender perspective, the creation of safe spaces and alliances with women's organisations, which can be seen in various celebrations and conservation projects in the region. These efforts have made inspiring stories visible and promoted inclusive narratives, demonstrating that women's leadership in conservation generates tangible benefits for the wellbeing of communities and the sustainability of ecosystems.


We invite you to join the Celebration of Protected and Conserved Areas LAC, integrating your celebrations or projects, developing sessions or spaces in mass events, supporting training and territorial leadership, generating win-win alliances.



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