Ecosistema Azul

Impacto Colectivo Barú 2030, launched in 2021 in Cartagena, is a long-term alliance uniting public, private, and community actors to drive sustainable development on Barú Island by 2030. Ten private organizations, alongside six civil society groups and public institutions, coordinate efforts through thematic circles in education, tourism, environment, leadership, and public management.

Within the environment circle, priorities focus on conserving marine-coastal ecosystems and managing waste. In response to severe degradation—Playa Blanca’s in Baru overcrowding, mangrove destruction, wastewater pollution, and coral loss (down to 14.7% live cover)—the Ecosistema Azul project was launched in 2024. It combines ecological restoration, community empowerment, and the blue economy, engaging fishermen, youth, women, and local organizations.

Actions include mangrove and coral restoration, participatory biodiversity monitoring, strengthening green businesses, and environmental education for children, youth, and tourism stakeholders. Unlike external models, Barú 2030 emphasizes local knowledge and collective governance, turning challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.

As part of our impact, we have engaged more than 300 community members in environmental and training initiatives, carried out conservation efforts on 193 hectares of mangroves, planted 9,000 mangrove seedlings, collected baseline data on associated biodiversity, including fauna and flora inventories, recording 112 species; supported the strengthening of more than 10 local green businesses; and promoted monitoring activities in strategic mangrove and reef areas in Barú. Additionally, we have coordinated efforts with community organizations, private companies, and foundations to consolidate a model of participatory conservation and sustainable development in the region.