Universidad del Valle
Founded in 1945, Universidad del Valle stands as a benchmark for academic excellence and innovation, both nationally and internationally. As a leader in research and community engagement, we pride ourselves on a global vision of social responsibility, high-quality education, and respect for diversity. We focus on biodiversity conservation and foster international academic collaborations to share transformative knowledge. Join us and be among the best!
Innovation in Ornithology and Bird Conservation
* This topic is related to COP16 goals 1,2, 4,7,14 and 18.
The Universidad del Valle is one of the most important ornithological schools in the country.
Our goal is to deepen the understanding of Colombian avifauna by researching their diversity, ecology, and ecosystem services to develop effective conservation strategies. Our studies cover natural history, migration, reproductive biology, plumage coloration, bioacoustics, and urban ecology. We have established Ornithology as a leading research area, training professionals and publishing in high-impact scientific journals. We seek to form partnerships to develop joint projects that advance ornithology and bird conservation in Colombia and worldwide.
Leadership in Marine Biology and Conservation
* This topic is related to COP16 goals 1,2,4,7 and 14.
Universidad del Valle has been a leading academic institution in marine biology research for more than half a century, particularly in the Pacific region. Our studies range from ecosystem approaches to specialized taxonomic coverage, focusing on the ecology and population of marine species to mangrove food webs, molecular and biogeographic analyses of fishes, and advanced coral studies. We use state-of-the-art technology to understand the form and function of 2D and 3D structures of both corals and fish. We experiment with phenotypic plasticity of corals, explore oceanography, marine pollution, biotechnology, and marine algae diversity. All of our research contributes to the sustainable management and conservation of marine resources of our region.
Success story
Social Impact
Restoration of Tropical Dry Forest
The tropical dry forest, the most threatened lowland tropical ecosystem, has been restored by Universidad del Valle in a 2-hectare patch with 36 native species. Over four years, participatory campaigns have involved more than 400 social actors and organizations, achieving significant ecological recovery and strengthening the society-nature relationship.
Strategic Partnership
Massey University, New Zealand and Universidad de Antioquia
Personality, coloration, song, and reproductive success of Sicalis coronado
2022
The project has formed green business leaders, involved 2,500 secondary school students, published 11 scientific articles, and engaged 16 undergraduate and graduate students, hosted 7 research interns, and presented 5 papers, contributing to knowledge advancement and academic training.
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
Are Reef Fish Being Displaced by Climate Change in the Eastern Tropical Pacific?
2022 – 2024
Academic exchange with Germany, three courses on biodiversity, climate change impact on marine fish, and evolutionary changes, and the development of an interinstitutional research macro proposal.
University of Washington
Capturing Colombia’s Unknown Fish Diversity in Depth
2023
Generated 3D models of over 500 Colombian fish for analysis, facilitating a deep understanding of the country’s aquatic biodiversity.
Awards and Recognitions
Orden Independencia Vallecaucana, Grado Cruz de Caballero
for significant contributions to organizing ornithology in Colombia and Valle del Cauca.
Premio Vida y Obra
for services to marine sciences in Colombia.
Medalla Pascual de Andagoya
for contributions to the knowledge of Pacific Colombian ecosystems and natural resources.
Exaltation for environmental research and bird conservation in Valle del Cauca.
- Participation in creating the “Departmental Plan for Conservation and Protection of Birds and Their Ecosystems in Valle del Cauca,” now a model for other regions.
- Discovery of more than a dozen new marine species, including sharks and bony fish.
- First continuous bird research program in Colombia, monitoring a tropical species to answer conservation questions and raise community awareness.
Collaboration Opportunities
By submitting this form, you express your interest in establishing a bilateral collaboration with our institution or contributing to one of our projects.
Events
October 17
Conference cycle: “Ecology and Importance of Birds – Univalle COP16”.
Location: Campus UNIVALLE Meléndez (AUD. “Jaime López Collazos” Edf. CREE (E18) First Floor, Space 1001 (Calle 13 # 100-00)
City: Cali
Time of event: 9:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m.
Conferences that will address topics on the origin, biodiversity, life histories and conservation of birds.
October 24
Workshop No.2: “Scientific illustration of birds”.
Location: Building “Doris Hinestroza Gutiérrez” E23, Campus Meléndez,Universidad del Valle
City: Cali
Time of event: 11:00 a. m. to 12:00 m.
Workshop that introduces the participant to the basic traditional techniques and tools used in the representation of our Colombian birds.
1st cycle of conferences in Marine Biology
Location: Antonio J. Posada Auditorium
Building D12
Univalle Melendez Campus.
City: Cali
Time of event: 8:00 a. m. to 12:00 m.
Conferences will address topics on marine ecosystems, their diversity, problems, management, conservation and advances in marine biology research in Colombia.
October 25
Marine Fair
Location: Universidad del Valle Coliseum (Calle 13 # 100-00).
City: Cali
Time of event: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ventures related to Colombian fauna and marine culture.
October 26
Birdwatching Day No.2
Location: Pasoancho pedestrian entrance, Campus Meléndez, Universidad del Valle (Calle 13 # 100-00 )
City: Cali
Time of event: 6:30 a. m. to 9:00 a. m.
Approach to bird watching with tours guided by experts and aimed at the entire community in general. Beginner level.
Registration form: https://forms.gle/K4V9zBr72Mcg9c7j8
Workshop No.3 for children: “Learn about the beautiful birds around you!”
Location: Building “Doris Hinestroza Gutiérrez”, E23, Campus Meléndez,Universidad del Valle (Calle 13 # 100-00 )
City: Cali
Time of event: 10:00 a. m. to 11:00 a. m.
Introductory workshop on birds, which is aimed at children. Beginner level. Unicauca-Univalle
All roads lead to the sea
Location: Meléndez Campus
Biology exhibition room Container (B2)
Time of event: 9:00 am to 12:00 m
Crafts and games related to the conservation of the oceans and their diversity of the oceans and their diversity.
October 31
2nd series of conferences in Marine Biology
Location: Antonio J. Posada Auditorium Building D12 Univalle Melendez Campus.
Time of the event: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Conferences will address topics on marine ecosystems, their diversity, problems, management, conservation and advances in marine biology research in Colombia.
November 1
Naturalism and the sea – Drawing workshop
Location: Meléndez Campus
Biology exhibition room Container (B2)
Time of event: 9:00 am to 12:00 m
Drawing as a mechanism for the study of nature.
November 16
Bird Watching Day No.3
Location:Pasoancho pedestrian entrance, Campus Meléndez, Universidad del Valle.
Time of event: 6:30 am to 9:00 am
Approach to birdwatching with tours guided by experts and aimed at the entire community in general. Beginner level.