TBI Colombia works with academic institutions, policy makers and local indigenous communities to build capacity, develop research programmes that reflect local conditions and construct mechanisms for recognizing, strengthening and protecting traditional knowledge.

TBI Colombia helps to generate information to support better management, decision making and political negotiation regarding the natural resources in the Amazon region.

The main objective of the programme is to bridge local, traditional and scientific knowledge to improve decision making in the Amazon forest of Colombia.

The programme has been operating in the country since 1986. The main stages of the programme and outcomes are:

• Initial Period (1986-1992)
  Scientific information was generated from PhD and MSc studies by both Colombian and Dutch students.
• Political Change (1992-1996)
  The indigenous theme was actively incorporated into the programme development, based on the new political scenario.
• Participatory Research Consolidation (1996-2000)
  Local indigenous proposals were consolidated within the programme and the development of joint actions between local and academic researchers.
• Cooperation with National Parks (2000-2005)
  Academic research in the protected area more than doubled in this period and the relationship with local communities was strengthened.
• Dissemination of the TBI Colombia experience (2005-2010)

TBI Colombia's main challenges for the current phase of the programme include:

1. Providing support to indigenous forest communities and organizations for the formulation of spatial planning processes
2. Providing support to indigenous communities and National Parks for the formulation and implementation of natural resources management plans to be included within the protected area's management plan
3. Generating information related to ecological, socioeconomic and market dynamics for improving the implementation of income-generating initiatives in indigenous communities
4. Anticipating the implications of climate change on the food security of indigenous communities

Since the start of the programme more than 20 years ago, work has focused on the area of Araracuara in the central region of the Colombian Amazon. In 2001/2002, work also began in Amacayacu National Park and with several indigenous communities in and around the protected area.

Araracuara Region

Work in this region is based on indigenous knowledge and strengthening of local indigenous organizations. TBI Colombia's experience in this region provides the framework for the participatory model promoted by the programme.

Amacayacu National Park

Work in this region underpins the programme's efforts to strengthen relationships with the National Parks. Work has been directed mostly towards the institution and its relationship with local communities and research development.