Colombia Resurvey Project: Understanding the past to empower actions that strengthen knowledge and conservation of birds

Abstract

Gustavo Kattan was a visionary scientist who dreamed of repeating historical ornithological expeditions carried out in Colombia by tire American Museum of Natural History. Gustavo wanted to studv variations in bird assemblages in response to changes in landscape and climate, and thus contribute to bird conservation. Building on Gustavo's work, the Colombia Resurvey Project is now a reality through air alliance of scientists, local communities, Colombian and international institutions, collecting historical and current data on buds, to understand the ecological, evolutionary and conservation changes that have occurred in a century of tiansfonnation. Tire highly collaborative character of tire project allows stiengdrening and diversifying the information deposited in scientific collections, and by doing so, increases Colombia's capacity in ornithological research. Furthermore, based on the knowledge of local communities, the project supports participative monitoring initiatives that contribute to promote sustainable economic alternatives in rural areas. Through production of interactive bird maps, a bit ding tourism business model to be led by local providers, as well as other results horn local efforts, we hope to contribute to Colombia's sustai-nabihty and help guarantee the conservation and welfare of buds, dreir habitats, and the people that protect them.