Fundación Montecito is the reason we exist.
When Felipe and Juanita of Fundación Montecito called for volunteer photographers in 2014,
no one imagined that a decade later it would come full circle—leading to the creation of
Sumercé Artisans and a continued partnership.
Conservation of Lake Tota
Fundación Montecito is a registered non-profit organization founded in Sogamoso, Boyacá by Felipe Andrés Velasco and Juanita Arango. Our mission is to generate actions and reflections for the environment, specifically at Lake Tota in Colombia, in order to create an increasingly sustainable relationship between humans and nature.
Empowering Local Communities
At the heart of Fundación Montecito is a commitment to community empowerment. The foundation partners closely with local families, farmers, and youth, providing education and hands-on opportunities that encourage environmental responsibility and pride in local heritage. By centering their work around the community, Montecito strengthens local leadership and reinforces the belief that lasting change begins from within.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Through conservation projects, environmental education, and sustainable eco-tourism, the foundation helps local families, farmers, and youth care for their land while promoting a lasting, balanced relationship between people and nature. By welcoming volunteers and collaborators from Colombia and beyond, Montecito creates knowledge-sharing opportunities that inspire action and ensure a healthier, thriving environment for future generations.