Smurfit Westrock recognized for protecting the Andean Bear’s habitat
The company was recognized for a public-private partnership that promotes environmental education in rural communities in Cauca, Colombia
Smurfit Westrock was honored for its commitment to protecting the habitat of the endangered Andean Bear at the 2025 Xposible Awards. The recognition was for advancing educational initiatives with rural communities near Colombia’s Munchique and Puracé National Natural Parks which are located in the Cauca region.
Since 2017, Smurfit Westrock in Colombia, through its Foundation, has been a partner in the public-private initiative “Conservamos la Vida,” alongside Fundación Grupo Argos, CVC, WCS, and Colombia’s National Natural Parks agency. The program focuses on conserving the habitat of the endangered Andean Bear by establishing agreements with landowners adjacent to protected areas. Andean Bears, sometimes referred to as ‘spectacled bears’ because of the rings of lighter fur around their eyes, are at grave risk of extinction due to the loss of their native habitat.
In the municipality of El Tambo, the Conservamos la Vida” initiative has preserved 574 hectares of native forest, with near-zero deforestation rates since 2018, according to data from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The project also includes a strong environmental education component. In 2024, more than 840 students from 11 schools participated in creative and educational activities to mark the ‘International Day for Bear Protection’, joined by teachers, park rangers, and Smurfit Westrock Foundation staff.
“This award reflects the positive impact we can achieve when environmental conservation, education, and community participation come together. At Smurfit Westrock, we believe that every act of protection and every classroom that fosters environmental awareness helps shape the future. We will continue working hand-in-hand with partners and communities to care for what matters most,” said Catalina Barberena, Director of the Smurfit Westrock Foundation in Colombia.
With this recognition, Smurfit Westrock reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainable development in Colombia’s region by integrating environmental stewardship with education and community wellbeing.
Created by Colsubsidio, a private organization withing Colombia’s social security and family welfare systems, the Xposible Awards are a national benchmark for showcasing business-led initiatives that promote sustainable development and social transformation. This year, 518 projects from across the country were submitted.
