Transforming Residual Wastewater into Biogas
Within the Acordionero Forestry Centre, Gran Tierra Energy installed residential-scale anaerobic biodigesters. Biodigesters are systems that break down organic materials, such as food waste, agricultural residues, animal manure and wastewater, through a biological process called anaerobic digestion. In many rural Colombian villages, untreated wastewater flows through open sewers, creating serious health and environmental risks—especially during […]
Within the Acordionero Forestry Centre, Gran Tierra Energy installed residential-scale anaerobic biodigesters. Biodigesters are systems that break down organic materials, such as food waste, agricultural residues, animal manure and wastewater, through a biological process called anaerobic digestion. In many rural Colombian villages, untreated wastewater flows through open sewers, creating serious health and environmental risks—especially during the rainy season. At the same time, limited access to propane forces many households to rely on firewood, contributing to deforestation, air pollution, and causing significant adverse health effects. To tackle these dual challenges, GTE partnered with Antonio Nariño University to install 13 residential-scale anaerobic biodigesters in the Putumayo villages of Carmelita, Puerto Vega, and Remolinos. These systems treat wastewater organically and produce biogas for nearly 40 households and a school. This technology demonstrates how a thoughtful design can create lasting environmental, social, and economic impacts. This initiative, which satisfies Colombia’s requirement that 1% of project budgets be invested into environmental initiatives, demonstrates how a thoughtful design can create lasting environmental, social, and economic impacts. Encouraged by the project’s success, plans are underway to expand it to additional municipalities. “Before the project, some of these homes were abandoned due to contamination. Wastewater seeped into water wells, vermin overran the area, and the air was unbearable. Now, the water is clean, the smells are gone, and families have returned.” Oswan Duvan Mora Director of Technology Operations, University of Antonio Nariño
Bringing Safe Drinking Water to Rural Colombia
In remote villages of Putumayo, Colombia, where government support is limited, access to clean water remains a persistent challenge, exposing families to waterborne diseases and other health risks. To help close this gap, GTE has led the Water for Communities (Agua para Mi Tierra) initiative, which began in October 2024. The project will install a […]
In remote villages of Putumayo, Colombia, where government support is limited, access to clean water remains a persistent challenge, exposing families to waterborne diseases and other health risks. To help close this gap, GTE has led the Water for Communities (Agua para Mi Tierra) initiative, which began in October 2024. The project will install a new water treatment system to ensure safe water access to thousands of residents across ten villages along the Puerto Vega–Teteyé corridor. Additionally, a community-based water laboratory and training centre will be established to help residents learn how to manage and preserve water resources sustainably. As implementation begins in 2025, a central focus will be on training local residents to maintain the systems, ensuring long-term access to safe drinking water. This initiative complements an aqueduct system, also funded by the Company, through Colombia’s Works for Taxes program, which will bring potable water to another 1,300 residents in rural areas near Puerto Asís. Image Gallery Image Gallery
Remediating Water and Territory in Suroriente
Decades of conflict left land and water bodies in Colombia’s Puerto Vega–Teteyé corridor scarred by oil spills caused by illegal armed groups. Though the damage predated its presence, Gran Tierra took action to address the long-standing contamination. Since launching a major remediation effort in 2022, GTE has rehabilitated 67 hectares across ten villages to make […]
Decades of conflict left land and water bodies in Colombia’s Puerto Vega–Teteyé corridor scarred by oil spills caused by illegal armed groups. Though the damage predated its presence, Gran Tierra took action to address the long-standing contamination. Since launching a major remediation effort in 2022, GTE has rehabilitated 67 hectares across ten villages to make sure that area residents no longer bear the burden of past environmental harm. The Suroriente Clean-Up, a partnership between Ecopetrol and Gran Tierra Energy, reflects the companies’ shared commitment to environmental clean-up and waste collection from third-party spills and social responsibility. Aligned with Colombia’s national remediation strategy, the project has also created 215 local jobs, engaging property and business owners in hands-on environmental cleanup—building skills that will benefit the region for years to come.
GTE Supports Prestigious Camina Award 2024, Honouring Champions for Peace
In December 2024, GTE joined the Embassies of Belgium and Canada and the Colombian Campaign Against Landmines to present the eighth CaMINA Award. This award honours community organizations working to support landmine victims and promote peace in Colombia. This year’s winners were the Association of Veteran Survivors of the Armed Conflict of Cauca, “Path of […]
In December 2024, GTE joined the Embassies of Belgium and Canada and the Colombian Campaign Against Landmines to present the eighth CaMINA Award. This award honours community organizations working to support landmine victims and promote peace in Colombia. This year’s winners were the Association of Veteran Survivors of the Armed Conflict of Cauca, “Path of Peace,” for helping disabled military veterans rebuild their lives, and Guillermo Murcia Duarte, recognized for his efforts to improve the rights and inclusion of landmine survivors. GTE’s role in this award reflects its ongoing commitment to demining in Putumayo, where it works with its partners to clear landmines and help people regain safety and freedom of movement.
Gran Tierra Energy’s flagship Ecuador social investment project Sustainable Sucumbíos, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on transforming agricultural processes to make them more profitable and sustainable. GTE has invested US$3.3 million over four years, which has directly benefited local families in Ecuador, by improving agricultural productivity and increasing household income through agricultural […]
Gran Tierra Energy’s flagship Ecuador social investment project Sustainable Sucumbíos, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on transforming agricultural processes to make them more profitable and sustainable. GTE has invested US$3.3 million over four years, which has directly benefited local families in Ecuador, by improving agricultural productivity and increasing household income through agricultural technical assistance, training and supplies. This initiative supports long-term agricultural development by enhancing crop productivity, strengthening local livelihoods, and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices in the region. GTE’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in Ecuadorian communities through this project has delivered meaningful results. Notable achievements include the distribution of approximately 80,000 cacao plants to local farmers and the delivery of agricultural machinery units and cows to support the growth of farming operations in the region. In addition to the resources given to the local families participating in the program, GTE provides technical skills development through training and workshops. In 2024, 312 people attended workshops focused on gender inclusivity and financial guidance and 224 people were trained in agriculture and livestock field schools. The project was first developed and implemented together with local communities of the 5 Ases, October 15, Lojanitos, La Milagreña, Pio Jaramillo and Rey del Oriente communities and in 2024, Sustainable Sucumbíos was expanded to include the communities of Union Balsareña, Patria Nueva, and Santa Mariana. To date, the program has benefited 741 families in the area surrounding GTE’s operations. “The training we received has given us what we need to begin to plant, maintain and harvest our cacao more productively. It’s early in the process, but I’m already implementing the new techniques and I’m confident they will be beneficial.” Jose Luiz Tacuri Farmer, 15 Octubre, Sucumbíos Image Gallery Image Gallery
Preventing Fugitive Emissions Across our Operations
Gran Tierra Energy continues to advance its emissions reduction strategy across all areas of its operations in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. As part of its commitment to operational integrity and environmental responsibility, GTE conducted a fugitive emissions survey in Colombia in 2024, identifying and repairing several small leaks. In Ecuador, the Company is developing a […]
Gran Tierra Energy continues to advance its emissions reduction strategy across all areas of its operations in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. As part of its commitment to operational integrity and environmental responsibility, GTE conducted a fugitive emissions survey in Colombia in 2024, identifying and repairing several small leaks. In Ecuador, the Company is developing a greenfield project with infrastructure designed early on to meet the highest environmental and operational standards. Advanced detection technologies in Canada are implemented to monitor and reduce fugitive emissions from its assets. These regionally tailored initiatives for each country are part of GTE’s broader effort to integrate low-emission technologies wherever possible, as well as proactive maintenance practices across its asset base. The Company is replacing high-bleed pneumatic devices with solar-powered alternatives, optimizing infrastructure to reduce venting, and expanding the use of aerial and ground-based methane detection systems. Together these actions support GTE’s commitment to continuous environmental performance improvement and long-term sustainability of its operations. Methane Reduction Gran Tierra Energy is committed to reducing methane emissions across its operations by leveraging advanced technologies, improved monitoring systems, and infrastructure upgrades. The Company has implemented a variety of initiatives, including Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs, third-party verified monitoring, and equipment electrification to reduce fugitive emissions. These initiatives are tailored to the regulatory context and operational realities of each country in which GTE operates. The following sections highlight GTE’s methane reduction actions in Colombia, Canada, and Ecuador: Colombia GTE implements a government-approved LDAR program, using third-party Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera inspections to identify and repair leaks. In 2024, a full fugitive emissions survey further supported these efforts. Generation equipment is strictly monitored for gas quality compatibility, reducing emissions through efficient fuel use. Since 2019, methane emissions in Colombia have dropped by 37%, from 5,971 to 3,762 tons. Canada In Western Canada, GTE uses aircraft-mounted Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems and has replaced 519 high-bleed gas pumps with solar-powered units across 255 sites. These upgrades, along with site electrification and equipment replacement, have cut fugitive emissions by over 50% since 2023 and reduced total emissions by approximately 17,000 tCO₂e annually. Ecuador In Ecuador, GTE is developing a greenfield project with infrastructure designed to meet the highest environmental standards from the outset. The Company complies fully with government requirements on emissions, including methane, ensuring the project is equipped for low-emission operations once active.
Engagement with First Nations Peoples in Canada
Partnerships with Indigenous Communities
GTE’s engagement model in Western Canada is built on the same foundational principles as in the rest of its operations: respect, collaboration, and transparency. The Company recognizes that working with Indigenous Nations requires effective and transparent communication, cooperation, and mutual understanding. GTE’s approach is guided by: 1. Open and Ongoing Dialogue GTE prioritizes proactive, clear […]
GTE’s engagement model in Western Canada is built on the same foundational principles as in the rest of its operations: respect, collaboration, and transparency. The Company recognizes that working with Indigenous Nations requires effective and transparent communication, cooperation, and mutual understanding. GTE’s approach is guided by: 1. Open and Ongoing Dialogue GTE prioritizes proactive, clear and transparent communication to ensure meaningful consultation and engagement. This includes initiating early discussions, providing regular updates, and responding promptly to questions or concerns. 2. Respect for Rights and Traditions The Company acknowledges and respects Indigenous rights, cultural heritage, and the significance of Traditional Territories. 3. Economic Participation and Opportunities GTE supports Indigenous businesses, workforce development, and capacity building by actively integrating local vendors, contractors, and service providers from various First Nation businesses into its projects. “Our relationships with First Nations and Metis in Canada are a critical part of our work. Some of GTE’s operations are located outside of Reserve boundaries but within Traditional Territories – areas that are deeply significant. We’ve built trust through consistent, timely, and respectful engagement, not just by meeting the letter of regulatory requirements, but by showing up and listening. We remain committed to these engagements and also are prioritizing local First Nations and Metis businesses who are supporting our operations in many ways.” Garrett Laudel Director, Land
GTE’s Human Safety Evolution Training is an in-house program designed to equip first-line managers with the skills to integrate HSE principles into their daily decision-making. This 6-month course combines virtual and in-person sessions, developing independent thinking and leadership in workplace safety, and empowering first-line managers to be able to make safety decisions rather than relying […]
GTE’s Human Safety Evolution Training is an in-house program designed to equip first-line managers with the skills to integrate HSE principles into their daily decision-making. This 6-month course combines virtual and in-person sessions, developing independent thinking and leadership in workplace safety, and empowering first-line managers to be able to make safety decisions rather than relying on dedicated safety personnel. The training unfolds in four key phases, each reinforcing discussion, reflection, and practical application. The program has delivered measurable improvements in HS scores, decision-making, and communication, strengthening GTE’s safety culture and embedding safety into leadership at all levels. The Program’s Four Phases: Phase One: Informative Lectures: This phase includes a series of online lectures delivered by six expert speakers, sharing insights from their own experiences on how to manage challenging situations and convert those experiences into practical leadership tools. Phase Two: Expected Behaviours Workshop with COO & VPs: GTE’s line management team are divided into two groups to establish expectations and objectives. Phase Three: Mountain Experience: Set in a forest environment near Bogotá, this outdoor session focuses on strengthening team alignment through planning exercises, adherence to procedures, and effective communication. Phase Four: Cartagena Emergency Simulation: In Cartagena, activities will centre on the Level 2 Emergency Management team. A high-severity accident will be simulated unexpectedly, including a night-time scenario involving a full fire on the rig, serious injuries, and limited resources in order to test real-time response and coordination. 1,0 HOURS In 2024, a total of 1,416 hours were dedicated to safety training in Canada 14,0 HOURS In 2024, 14,624 safety training hours were dedicated to safety training in Colombia 1,0 HOURS In 2024, a total of 1,488 hours were dedicated to safety training in Ecuador SWIPE FOR MORE
Gran Tierra Energy has officially opened the Acordionero Forestry Centre (AFC), a 185-hectare environmental innovation hub located in El Cairo village, a strategically important conservation zone in Cesar. It is Gran Tierra’s hope that AFC will play a key role in restoring forest corridors and preserving water bodies thar provide water to the surrounding communities. […]
Gran Tierra Energy has officially opened the Acordionero Forestry Centre (AFC), a 185-hectare environmental innovation hub located in El Cairo village, a strategically important conservation zone in Cesar. It is Gran Tierra’s hope that AFC will play a key role in restoring forest corridors and preserving water bodies thar provide water to the surrounding communities. Nearly 11,000 native trees have already been planted at the Centre, reinforcing the Centre’s contribution to ecosystem recovery in the region. The AFC has also been designed to test and implement sustainability efforts aimed at long-term environmental resilience and regional economic development. The Centre is located between two interconnected, biodiverse forested areas, through which more than 100 bird species have been recorded travelling. While the geography and ecosystems are different from Costayaco, the location allows the Centre to restore forest corridors and preserve river-based water sources for nearby communities. The AFC also includes a forest nursery for the restoration of native species of plants and trees. Currently, the nursery is producing approximately 9,000 plants per month, that are used to conserve the surrounding forest and are being donated to local families. Aquaponics At the heart of this innovation hub is a solar-powered aquaponics system that merges fish farming with hydroponic plant cultivation in a closed-loop system. GTE and local community members, are testing innovative aquaponics systems as part of a broader effort to explore sustainable agriculture models that could enhance environmental and economic resilience in the region. The aquaponics system accelerates food production, with a small land footprint, and have the goal of increasing food security and lowering food costs for families in the region. Nutrient-rich water from tilapia tanks is used to irrigate and fertilize crops such as basil, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and aromatic herbs—without the need for soil or chemical pesticides. The system recycles water continuously, achieving over 90% water savings compared to conventional agriculture, and is powered by solar energy to ensure operational efficiency and a low environmental impact. Meliponiculture The AFC also includes a meliponiculture initiative that plays a key role in biodiversity conservation by protecting and reproducing native stingless bees—essential pollinators that support the health and regeneration of local ecosystems. These bees assist in the pollination of both native forests and cultivated plantations, helping sustain biodiversity and agricultural productivity. The initiative is also promoting environmental education by raising community awareness about the ecological importance of bees, while creating opportunities for local businesses in the production of high-value medicinal honey and honey-based products. By protecting bees, the AFC is helping to safeguard entire ecosystems and secure a more sustainable future for the region. Through the Acordionero Forestry Centre, Gran Tierra Energy continues to lead in environmental responsibility, by combining reforestation, water conservation, and community-driven initiatives to strengthen Colombia’s ecosystems and support local families. Anaerobic Biodigesters Within the ACF GTE installed residential-scale anaerobic biodigesters. This system treat wastewater organically and produces biogas, eliminating open sewage while providing energy that can be used for cooking. In many rural Colombian villages, untreated wastewater flows through open sewers, creating serious health and environmental risks—especially during the rainy season. At the same time, limited access to propane forces many households to rely on firewood, contributing to deforestation, air pollution, and causing significant adverse health effects. This technology, demonstrates how thoughtful design can create lasting environmental, social, and economic impact. This Centre highlights how Gran Tierra Energy goes beyond compliance by integrating its environmental legal requirements and new innovative conservation initiatives. Through the Acordionero Forestry Centre, Gran Tierra Energy continues to lead in environmental responsibility, by combining reforestation, water conservation, and community-driven initiatives to strengthen Colombia’s ecosystems and support local families. “The Acordionero Forestry Centre has allowed us to see how we can work our land in a more efficient and sustainable way. With hydroponic pilot projects we have seen first-hand how, with a small portion of land, we can grow different crops in less time and with a significant increase in the volume. I´m sure that this could change the way we live and we could spend less money on food and accelerate the production of our crops.” Leodan Navarro Herrera Community Member, la Vereda el Cairo Image Gallery Image Gallery
The Costayaco Forestry Centre (CFC) is one of the most innovative reforestation efforts in South America that has grown to 335 hectares, located near the Company’s production facilities in Putumayo. Established in 2010 in coordination with regional environmental regulator Corpoamazonia, the facility has grown into a significant habitat for butterflies, birds, large felines and other […]
The Costayaco Forestry Centre (CFC) is one of the most innovative reforestation efforts in South America that has grown to 335 hectares, located near the Company’s production facilities in Putumayo. Established in 2010 in coordination with regional environmental regulator Corpoamazonia, the facility has grown into a significant habitat for butterflies, birds, large felines and other wildlife. The Centre is strategically located in an important environmental corridor connecting the Andean foothills and Amazonian Forest ecosystems, serving as a focal point for the Company’s compensatory requirements as well as many of its voluntary environmental activities. After 10 years, the Company is very close to achieving its long-term goal of connecting the corridor to the foothills. The Centre, which was officially designated as a protected habitat and has been replicated around the country, also serves as a hub for nearby communities, hosting educational sessions, presentations and briefings. +0 Hectares GTE’s conservation footprintrnto date 0 Hectares GTE’s operational footprintrnto date 0 hectares 1,494 hectares of land has beenrnreforested and ecologicallyrnrestored SWIPE FOR MORE A Source of Seedlings The Forestry Centre has cultivated hundreds of thousands of seedlings providing local communities the capability to reforest their land with native trees. Residents have begun planting seedlings on their land, which over the years had been degraded by agriculture, animal husbandry, and other industries that damaged the natural habitats and sensitive ecosystems. The Centre is located in close proximity to the Sacha Wasi nursery which has the capacity to produce over one million seedlings each year as part of NaturAmazonas. A Space for Learning The Forestry Centre functions as a community learning space with programming for both youth and adults. Visitors can learn about GTE’s operations and environmental stewardship activities. The Centre has welcomed government officials, scientists, community members, companies, academic institutions, students and is open to all. Monitoring the Restoration of Animal Life The motion sensor camera and monitoring stations at the Costayaco Forestry Centre have successfully identified 121 species of birds, 15 species of amphibians and 11 mammal species. This is a significant increase from the last wildlife monitoring program in 2016, which shows that the Company’s conservation and reforestation efforts are restoring these natural habitats and attracting wildlife back to these regions. “As parents, our legacy is protecting the forest so our kids can have good oxygen, diversity of flora and fauna and clean water. It’s incredible what the workers at the CFC have been able to do — now we see a huge amount of trees in what used to be empty lots. The animals have come back and the monkeys go through the trees to cross the road. The CFC helped me plant trees near my home, and people are more aware of the forest here because when they come to take trees to plant, they learn not to cut trees down. For me a place like this is incredible because I’m very concerned about climate change.” Fabio Montenegro Member of the El Meson Vereda Community Action Board (JAC) Image Gallery Image Gallery