Identification of APPA Advances in Southwestern Antioquia municipalities

In Southwestern Antioquia, APPA are being identified in 22 municipalities. 
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Amagá, Antioquia, (@UPRAColombia, @claudialili76). Around 40 community representatives from rural areas of eight municipalities gathered at La Casa del Adulto Mayor in Amagá (Antioquia) to discuss the progress made in identifying Protected Areas for Food Production (APPA). 
 
Javier Neva, a specialized professional from UPRA, commented: "In Southwestern Antioquia, we have been touring the 22 municipalities to explain what APPA are. We also presented an initial analysis called 'analysis zones.' In this regard, we have had strong participation from groups of people interested in the topic who want to know how this initiative will benefit them in the future." 
 
During the activity, the process for identifying and declaring an APPA was outlined:
 

1) Identify the protection zones for food production; 2) Delimit the agricultural frontier at a more detailed scale; 3) Gather more detailed information to identify the specific situations of each territory (other land use planning determinants, economic activities, local land use planning, among others); 4) Socialize, gather feedback, and coordinate with local stakeholders throughout the process; 5) Conduct the APPA identification process; and 6) Declaration of the APPA by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. 
 
Another topic discussed during the meeting was the distinction between protection zones for food production and APPA. A zone is simply a study area that UPRA examines to later identify an APPA if the conditions are met; APPA are the areas that ultimately determine land use planning. 
 

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The producers at the meeting highlighted the APPA as a valuable tool for protecting rural land for food production. In this regard, Doria Emilse Marroquín Díaz, an environmental and social leader from Amagá, emphasized, "Defining the APPA in our territory, in our Southwestern subregion, is extremely important since food is vital for the existence of humanity." 
 
Similarly, Alexander Ramírez Villegas, Secretary of Community Development of Montebello, stated, "These APPA are incredibly important because they help us protect our natural resources and the areas needed for food production, which are crucial for our communities. By doing so, we are strengthening food security and starting an initiative to improve the quality of life in our communities. Additionally, they will boost economic development by enhancing the commercialization of products." 
 
Finally, the UPRA technical team indicated that once the APPA identification results are available, they will be shared with the community again.