Sistemas silvopastoriles como estrategia para la sostenibilidad ganadera y la conservación de la biodiversidad en el medio y bajo Putumayo, Colombia

This article analyzes the potential of silvopastoral systems as a strategy for livestock sustainability and biodiversity conservation in the middle and lower Putumayo region of Colombia. The research was conducted through a documentary review of scientific literature and technical documents, using a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach and considering the municipalities of Mocoa, Villagarzón, Puerto Guzmán, Puerto Caicedo, Puerto Asís, Orito, Valle del Guamuez, San Miguel, and Puerto Leguízamo. The collected information was organized and analyzed according to four categories: productive sustainability, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and the technical, environmental, and socioeconomic conditions for implementation. The results identify the potential contributions of these systems in terms of forage resource diversification, livestock productivity, soil protection, and the maintenance of certain components of biodiversity. Limitations were also identified regarding implementation costs, management conditions, and the uneven availability of scientific information for the study area. It is concluded that silvopastoral systems represent an alternative for advancing toward more sustainable livestock production models, provided that their implementation responds to local conditions and is accompanied by strategies for natural forest conservation. Furthermore, the need to strengthen territorial research to evaluate their productive and environmental benefits is highlighted.