A Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Colombia : Discover La Merecida’Origin

The Story of Henri, Behind La Merecida : The Visionary Project and Sustainable entrepreneurship in Colombia

The Story of Henri, Henri the founder of a Sustainable entrepreneurship in Colombia

Henri, the founder of La Merecida, is a man driven by a deep passion for nature and wildlife conservation, who decided to create by his own eco-responsible project for a sustainable entrepreneurship in Colombia.

His journey, shaped by a lifelong love for the environment, led him to create a unique nature reserve in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

For Henri, La Merecida is more than just an environmental project ; it’s the fulfillment of a childhood dream, a life mission, and an invitation for others to believe in and pursue their own dreams.

A Passion is Born : The roots of this Entrepreneurial Dream

Henri’s story begins in a small town in France, where he grew up surrounded by forests and rivers. It was here, under the watchful eye of his paternal grandfather, that he first discovered his passion for nature.

Together, they would watch environmental documentaries, captivated by the beauty of wild landscapes and the diversity of wildlife.

His grandfather often spoke about the importance of protecting these natural treasures, planting the seeds of what would later become Henri’s life’s work.

From a young age, Henri knew he wanted to dedicate his life to protecting the environment. His dream was to take action for nature, to preserve endangered ecosystems, and to protect vulnerable species. As he grew older, this passion evolved into a true calling.

Henri the founder and his family, a Sustainable entrepreneurship in Colombia

his training

His Journey towards Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Colombia

After high school, Henri pursued a degree in environmental management and conservation in France.

He earned a Higher National Diploma in this field, deepening his understanding of how to manage and protect natural resources. But for Henri, theory was not enough. He wanted to be on the ground, close to the nature he loved.

He trained as a mountain guide and later as a diving instructor, two professions that allowed him to live his passion every day.

Whether in the heights of the mountains or the depths of the sea, Henri always sought to understand the ecosystems he explored and to raise awareness about their fragility.

These experiences were a source of inspiration and motivation for him. He learned to appreciate the raw beauty of nature but also recognized the threats it faced. He knew he wanted to do more than just admire these landscapes—he wanted to protect them.

Henri the founder of this Sustainable entrepreneurship in Colombia

The Birth of this Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Colombia : A Dream Come True

In 2021, as global environmental challenges became increasingly urgent, Henri decided it was time to take action.

Faced with climate change, the growing extinction of animal species, and driven by a deep desire to contribute to society, he made a bold decision : he would create his own nature reserve.

Thus, La Merecida was born, a project founded on a simple yet powerful principle: “1 for People – 9 for Nature.”

Using his own funds, Henri acquired 125 hectares of land in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the richest and most threatened ecosystems in the world.

His goal was clear : to protect and restore this precious area by replanting trees, preserving natural habitats, and reintroducing animal species that had disappeared from the region.

The “1 for People – 9 for Nature” program reflects Henri’s philosophy : for every resource used by humans, nine should be dedicated to nature. This means that every decision made at La Merecida is guided by a constant focus on minimizing human impact and maximizing benefits for the environment.

Learn more about the nature reserve

Passing on Values: Raising Awareness to Protect

But Henri didn’t want to stop at protecting nature. He knew that to truly make a difference, he needed to raise awareness about the importance of the environment. That’s why La Merecida is not just a nature reserve ; it’s also a place for sharing and education.

Henri opened La Merecida to visitors, inviting them to discover the beauty of the Sierra Nevada and learn how everyone can contribute to nature conservation.

He organizes guided tours, awareness workshops, and educational programs for children and adults. These activities are designed to awaken consciousness and encourage people to take action for the environment.

For Henri, every encounter is an opportunity to pass on his values. He firmly believes that everyone has the power to make a difference, as long as they act with heart and follow their convictions.

By sharing his experience and passion, Henri hopes to inspire others to pursue their own dreams, no matter how ambitious.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Today, La Merecida is much more than just a nature reserve. It’s a reflection of Henri’s dream—a dream born out of his love for nature and his desire to protect the planet. It’s also a testament to what can be achieved when one acts with passion and determination.

But for Henri, La Merecida is only the beginning. He already envisions expanding his conservation efforts to other parts of the world while continuing to develop and enrich the reserve in Colombia.

His ultimate goal is to create a global network of nature reserves, where nature is respected and protected, and where future generations can continue to marvel at the world’s beauty.

Henri’s story is an invitation to believe in your dreams and make them a reality, no matter the obstacles. Through La Merecida, he shows that anyone can contribute to a better world, as long as they stay true to their values and never stop believing in the possibility of change.

Whether you’re a visitor, a volunteer, or simply an admirer, you are invited to join Henri in this extraordinary adventure and be a part of his dream come true.

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meet sissi, his partner

A Meeting Between Nature and Well-Being

In 2023, Sissi joined the project initiated by Henri, bringing with her a deep sensitivity to environmental preservation. Growing up in a setting where respect for nature was a given, she pursued university studies aligned with this path.

However, over time, her focus expanded to another ecosystem that also needs protection: the body and the mind.

Today, Sissi ensures that every traveler enjoys an unforgettable experience in harmony with the surrounding nature. Passionate about well-being, she offers yoga and relaxation classes, inviting guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace the exceptional environment around them.

She also manages the communication and promotion of the project, sharing our philosophy and values with those who, like us, seek a balance between nature, adventure, and serenity.

With Sissi, every stay becomes a true moment of rejuvenation, where both body and mind find their rightful place at the heart of the jungle.

take a look at wellness activities

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Stacy during a yoga class near tayrona park

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