On my most recent trip to Colombia at the beginning of 2026, I was able to experience how our joint project work is bringing about concrete changes on the ground – from Bogotá to the fishing communities on the Río Magdalena.
Cooperation in Bogotá: New project ideas emerge
Before I went to the project area, I spent several days in Bogotá working intensively with our partner organization Fundación Humedales. Together, we developed two new project proposals: for mangrove protection on the Río Sinú and for constructed wetlands in Latin America – important steps towards further expanding our cooperation.
Visit to the project region: exchange with the municipalities
I then traveled to various fishing communities along the Río Magdalena to see the progress on the ground and talk to those involved. The aim of the project is to improve the food security of 836 people in Bocas del Carare, San Rafael de Chucurí and Barrancabermeja.
Progress in renaturation
The renaturation of the spawning areas is making visible progress: fruit trees such as mango are planted in triangular formations, adapted to their sun tolerance. The areas are regularly surveyed, maintained and partially flooded by the river. A total of at least eight hectares are to be restored.
Strengthening fishermen’s organizations
At meetings with fishermen from Bocas del Carare and San Rafael de Chucurí, many reported on the National Fishermen’s Meeting 2025, which they had organized themselves – an important step towards greater self-confidence and independence. By working together with Fundación Humedales, they are now passing on their knowledge to other communities in the Magdalena catchment area in small groups.
Women’s engagement and sustainable tourism
The exchange with the women’s group in Bocas del Carare was particularly impressive: for the first time, they deliberately refused to accept too large a group of tourists in order to ensure environmentally friendly conditions. A maximum of ten visitors per stay is possible in the municipality.
Food security and youth participation
In San Rafael de Chucurí, community gardens – including one run by girls – with tomatoes, coriander and onions supplement the diet, as fresh vegetables are difficult to obtain due to high transportation costs. School cooperations and activities such as a soccer tournament actively involve children.
New sources of income: Cafeteria as a model for success
The last stop was the PESCOMAGDA fishermen’s association with its new cafeteria El tinto relajado. Three women have been earning their own income here since the project began. Many fishermen now even order their food in advance – a sign of how well the offer is being received.
In the final year of the project, the focus is now on stabilizing the income alternatives that have been created and maintaining the renaturalized areas along the Río Magdalena. I am already looking forward to the final visit next year.
