Juancito and the Sign That Protects the Forest

There is a green sign planted at the edge of the property, where the open ground meets the shadow of the forest. It says what cannot be done here: no hunting, no burning, no logging. It is managed by Fundación Loros and Inversiones Riman S.A.S., and cameras watch over it around the clock. That day, José Marín came from the Foundation to carry out an inspection visit to the protected area, near Cartagena. He was accompanied by Juancito, one of the local campesinos. He stood beside the sign with his thumb raised and his rubber boots firmly planted, like a man who knows that patch of land better than anyone. There was no need for many words — the photograph told the whole story. The forest behind him, the sun overhead, and that man posing beside the rules he himself helps to uphold.