Moving steadily toward a great
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Providencia Ecological Park in El Cerrito is home to 229 bird species
Providencia at Christmas: A gift of joy for every child
Providencia's certifications management E&A Sheer made a special Christmas possible for over 100 children from Providencia School
Godparent Plan: Supporting the future of our communities
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Providencia, is home to 229 bird species Ecological Park in El Cerrito
"Birdwatching is said to be the activity closest to
With this phrase, María Leonor Velásquez, director of Providencia
characteristic posture of observing birds in their natural habitat as a hobby. Looking up into stretches the spine, akin to performing a sun
Her observation is accurate, as birdwatching is considered a form of moving meditation for many. Silence is key during birdwatching walks to spot birds for the first time—a phenomenon known as a "lifer." Studies suggest that birdwatching reduces anxiety and stress.
Colombia is the best country for birdwatching, boasting the highest number of bird species in the world. This activity is more accessible than you might think.
One example is Providencia Ecological Park, located in El Cerrito. This environmental initiative, created in 2016 by the sugar mill, spans 524 hectares across two key areas: the Andean forest connected to the Amaime River basin in Toche, Palmira, and the tropical dry forest that hosts the Sugar Cane Museum in El Cerrito, both in Valle del Cauca.
This space is home to approximately 229 bird species—30% of those in Valle del Cauca—and 450 flora species. Three bird species are endemic to this habitat, four are semi-endemic, and 20 are migratory, attracting birdwatchers worldwide. As a result, it has become the leading birdwatching destination in Valle del Cauca in terms of bird checklists, birdwatchers, and species diversity.
The park also offers tailored experiences for various audiences. For instance, the "Vallecaucano Safari," lasting one hour, takes visitors to key spots in a "calambuco," a wagon used to transport sugarcane workers. Another three-hour regenerative tour emphasizes sustainable production, as practiced by Providencia. Visitors can also walk the "Saman
"The birds reflect how Providencia has managed María Leonor Velásquez Director, Providencia Ecological Park
For María Leonor Velásquez, result of how Providencia has managed the sugarcane process. The company has a culture centered on nature; it has been a pioneer in organic agriculture for 25 years and has always had a different mindset. At Providencia, contributing to nature is not a challenge; it is part of its culture."
According to Providencia, were planted in this forest in 2024, 264,218 since 2021, underscoring their commitment to conservation. Efforts include ecological restoration of the Piedechinche Estate, part of the park, in partnership with the Reverde-C Foundation.
In the Andean forest, conservation efforts resulted in planting 2,828 trees in 2023 39.7% increase from 2022—and trees since 2018.
Entry fees:
- General: $15,000
- Groups (20+): $12,000 per person
- Birdwatchers, photographers, foreign visitors: $25,000
- Open daily, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Providencia School Students Achieved Excellent Results in Saber Pro Test
6 students scored over
In critical reading, mathematics, social sciences, and English, 100/100.
•B1 and B+ English proficiency levels increased by 5%, advancing toward becoming a national bilingual school.
Katalina Calderón Salcedo Juan Fernando García Juan Fernando García
Providencia Certifications and Its Management of
As part of its culture and market requirements, Providencia continues to implement and improve management systems.
During the third quarter of 2024, we focused on audits of the organic program and the quality and environmental systems.
The package of audits for the organic program was carried out by the certification body Control Union, which conducted the following evaluations, achieving the renewal of all our certificates:
Quality and environmental system audits by Icontec confirmed compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, maintaining certifications for another 12 months, as well as our regulatory and internal provisions.
at Providencia
A Gift of Joy for Every Child
In Christmas 2024, Providencia spread joy to children in neighboring communities.
Distributed over 3,000 gifts and shared a very pleasant moment with them.
During this holiday season, we also shared our Sustainable Sweetness.
IIn the sweetest time of the year, we joined the celebration of Christmas with our communities in the area of influence, by delivering over 3,000 gifts to children aged 5 to 12, residents of the municipalities of Andalucía, San Pedro, Guadalajara de Buga, Guacarí, Ginebra, El Cerrito, Palmira, Pradera, and Candelaria. The gift deliveries were made at rural schools and during activities organized by community leaders and Action Committees; they were accompanied by staff from the Field and Harvest management
E&A Sheer
for Over
Made a Special Christmas Possible 100 Providencia School Children
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E&A Sheer’s donation benefited over 100 underprivileged children from Providencia School. They enjoyed a Christmas party with entertainers, a show, refreshments, and gifts.
This is just one of the actions we carry out with enthusiasm to ensure that the children and young people in the area receive a quality education that allows them to achieve their dreams and build a better future.
