From late April to early May, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo), this time accompanying the team Ensifera Nature y Editoresfrom Ensifera Nature and Editores, known for creating the most comprehensive, practical, and beloved field guides on birds in Colombia. It was four days filled with learning, encounters, surprises, and, above all, a deep connection with Colombian biodiversity and the people who work every day to preserve it.

It all began that first Saturday, the day I did my first booth inspection. I approached to connect with the team in charge of managing the space and tell my audience how to get there. From the very first moment, the team of powerful women led by Jhon Jairo welcomed me with a smile and a wonderful energy. I also took the opportunity to take some photographs of the venue, the staff, and the special products available to the public: bird guides, binoculars, jewelry, t-shirts, patches, percha2, and the famous nail art birds.

From late April to early May, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo), this time accompanying the Ensifera Nature and Editores team. That same day, I toured several areas of Corferias to show the public on social media the exact location of the stand from various reference points and make it easier for them to learn about Ensifera's work. An anecdote from that day was that I arrived a little late and it was a long and exhausting day; since 4:30 a.m., I had been in the Chingaza moorland with more than 400 people planting native species with Bauen ProjectI ended up exhausted, yes, but it was absolutely rewarding. Nothing like starting with muddy boots and a heart full of hope; in less than a week I'll tell you about the whole experience. Youtube Channel

The second day was a colorful and educational experience. I made sure to wear a truly biodiverse outfit, inspired by butterflies, to pay tribute to pollinators and attract the attention of those passing by the stand. In addition to sharing the joy with the visiting public, I decided to do a little activity: give away small prizes to those who could tell me what an endemic species is. To my surprise (and a little sadness), most people didn't know the answer. But that wasn't an obstacle—quite the opposite! We took the opportunity to educate, converse, and inspire curiosity about our country's unique biodiversity. This exercise confirmed for me the importance of continuing to talk about these topics and bringing scientific knowledge to the general public in a joyful, simple, and relatable way. Here a Reel about the dynamics so that he can laugh with me a little.

The third day of the fair arrived with another special touch. This time, I opted for a Pokémon Master outfit to attract the younger (and not-so-young) crowd, with a fun and colorful look combined with my Colombian mammal uniform. That day was also very special because we received a visit from Rodrigo Gaviria, author of «Las aves más hermosas de Colombia», another of the publisher's notable releases.

It was an intense day, with many diverse contacts eager to have their mammal guide. I took the opportunity to go for a walk and make home deliveries; one even to the stand of my great friends at Bioilustrarte, and on my way back, I guided a friend from the door who had traveled from Quindío just to take his copy and bring me some flowers. Now that's love for biodiversity and affection for bonito! Later that evening, in the company of my dear friend, Paul From En Ocho PatasWe toured some of the stands, talking with more people about the importance of this guide and forging strategic alliances for the distribution and dissemination of biodiversity at the fair. I ended the day sharing with valuable artists such as Balaena Azul, and buying a little gift about botany of the high Andes from Bestiario ilustrado a perfect ending between meaningful talks, art and gratitude.

Due to travel, I was only able to attend one more day of the fair, but that day was truly unforgettable. It coincided with the evening discussion about the official launch of Colombia's first mammal guide—a historic event that would deserve lights, applause, and full pages. This editorial gem, written by Natalia Moreno Niño and Camilo Fernández de @galictis_biodiversidad and Katerin Pérez Gómez; illustrated with immense talent by @julrfinn y @bekilustra, and edited with all the love by John Jairo Reyes, was undoubtedly the main protagonist.

This guide, in addition to being an academic textbook and a work of illustration, is a conservation and educational tool, a bridge between science and the country's rural communities. During this intimate and deeply moving discussion, the authors and illustrators shared the process behind the work, signed copies, and chatted with attendees in an atmosphere filled with purpose and collective meaning. Seeing so many people take the guide home with excitement reminded me why I do what I do.

Throughout these days, we were accompanied by an incredible team at the stand, full of passion, knowledge, and dedication. Whether in front of or behind the booth display, each person contributed their part to bring more people closer to the books, the birds, the mammals, and, above all, the desire to protect what we have.

And something I'm very happy to tell you is that, after the fair, Ensífera has a permanent space in Bogotá with all these wonderful products. In the shopping center Hacienda Santa Bárbara, en el local 137A, in the north of the city, you'll find a biodiversity corner featuring products from more than 30 nature-inspired businesses, including works by Ensifera Editores, my little birds for nails, heat-adhesive patches, and many other things. Don't miss the opportunity to support a business committed to conservation with a deep love for our own.

I bid farewell to this edition of FILBo with a full heart, with stories yet to be told, and with the certainty that these types of spaces continue to be essential for making conservation a collective, joyful, and colorful path. FILBo 2025 successfully concluded after 17 days of celebration and a vibrant agenda that consolidated Bogotá as the literary capital of Latin America. "País de Libros" brought together 120 independent publishers who demonstrated the creative and diverse strength of our literature. The fair also celebrated the union of literature and gastronomy in "Colombia a la mesa," where I managed to attend a charming lecture for a short time in which someone explained how they created cocktails with local drinks inspired by the birds of La Guajira.

Thank you for making it to the end of this article. If you too want to become a Pokémon Master—yes, one who knows, cares for, and protects the most fascinating creatures in our land—you can Click rhis link! so you can learn all about birds and the best way to become a Pokémon master.
See you on the next adventure, sumercé!