Former guerrillas learn about birding in Colombia
Summary
Diego Calderón Franco, once kidnapped by the FARC guerrillas in Colombia, now teaches former fighters bird-watching to help them find new jobs as guides. Colombia has the most types of birds in the world, and after years of conflict, bird habitats were preserved in some areas.Key Facts
- Diego Calderón Franco was held hostage by FARC rebels for 88 days in 2004.
- The FARC is a left-wing guerrilla group involved in a long conflict with the Colombian government.
- In 2016, nearly 10,000 FARC fighters gave up arms after a peace deal and sought new livelihoods.
- Calderón Franco introduced some ex-fighters to bird-watching, hoping they could become guides.
- Colombia is home to about 2,000 bird species, more than any other country.
- The country’s varied landscape includes mountains, jungles, deserts, and grasslands, supporting many bird species.
- Violence and conflict prevented some areas of Colombia from being developed, helping protect bird habitats.
- Although peace is fragile, travel has become safer, and bird-watching is growing as ecotourism in Colombia.
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