With the protection of three important watersheds in Antioquia and Tolima, Grupo Argos Foundation reaffirms its commitment to water conservation in Colombia

• Currently, Grupo Argos Foundation works to protect three fundamental watersheds: the Claro River and the Cartama River in Antioquia, and the Saldaña River in the department of Tolima. This strategy considers variables such as water availability, quality, and accessibility.
• For this purpose, Grupo Argos Foundation developed a comprehensive intervention model that undertakes long-term activities focused on the conservation of forest fragments and restoration for ecological connectivity.
• To date, Grupo Argos Foundation has secured more than 150 conservation agreements, contributing to the protection of over 12,700 hectares of Andean forest, humid forest, and tropical dry forest.

With a track record of over eight years in implementing environmental programs, Fundación Grupo Argos reaffirms its commitment to the conservation and protection of water resources in key regions of Colombia. This is achieved through a comprehensive model focused on the sustainability of water and biodiversity in three watersheds: the Claro River and the Cartama River in Antioquia, and the Saldaña River in Tolima. To achieve this, the Foundation undertakes long-term activities focused on the conservation of forest fragments and restoration for ecological connectivity.

“Guided by the goal of maximizing positive impact in the territories where we are present and contributing to the achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets, at Grupo Argos Foundation we work hand in hand with communities and partners to offer comprehensive projects that contribute to the conservation and protection of water as a fundamental resource for life and the sustainability of our Business Group.”

María Camila Villegas
Executive Director of Fundación Grupo Argos

In total, Grupo Argos Foundation has secured more than 150 conservation agreements, contributing to the protection of over 12,700 hectares of Andean forest, humid forest, and tropical dry forest. One of the most significant complementary actions of this intervention is the planting of native tree species, with a goal of planting at least one million trees annually.

Additionally, the Foundation conducts environmental education workshops with over 74,000 students and teachers from rural areas, promotes sustainable production processes, and leads the implementation of participatory science processes. These activities provide a useful alternative for communities to learn about and take ownership of their territory, directly contributing to its protection and providing safe water solutions for families and educational centers in rural areas, where more than 60% of the inhabitants lack access to this resource.

These efforts are complemented by the creation of more than 1,600 direct and indirect jobs generated through restoration processes and the impact on 20 additional watersheds across six departments in the country.

Sustainability as a Core Principle of Grupo Empresarial Argos

With the conviction that business success is achievable when it benefits all stakeholders, sustainability has become a value lever in the strategy of Grupo Argos and its businesses — Cementos Argos, Celsia, and Odinsa. These companies enhance their voluntary corporate citizenship actions through Grupo Argos Foundation to consciously and committedly lead the implementation of necessary actions to advance social, environmental, and economic development in the territories where they operate.