“No Fish, No Money, No Food”: The Stilt Communities of Colombia Fight for Their Wetlands
A Sunset that Masks Despair
From the porch of her stilt home in Nueva Venecia, Magdalena, Yeidis Rodríguez Suárez gazes upon the serene freshwater oasis of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. Pelicans dive for their dinner, while vibrant mangroves paint the horizon in hues of green and deep purple. This picturesque setting, however, belies a grim reality: “We are a people that have been forgotten,” Rodríguez laments.
The Illusion of Abundance
The Ciénaga Grande—a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2000—spans an impressive 428,000 hectares (1,600 square miles). Yet, for the residents of Nueva Venecia and nearby Buenavista, this natural wealth is but a distant memory. Destruction wrought by mismanaged infrastructure projects and pollution has led to a catastrophic decline in fish populations and made freshwater sourcing nearly impossible.
The Silent Crisis
The roots of this environmental crisis can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when two major highways were constructed across the delta. This permanently disrupted the natural flow of water among the Ciénaga, the Caribbean Sea, and the Magdalena River, resulting in the salinization of essential mangrove habitats. As Horst Salzwedel, a marine biologist with decades of experience in the region, puts it: “Mangroves can tolerate salt in the soil, but there’s a limit.”
Declining Fish Populations: A Barometer of Despair
The consequences of these ecological changes are palpable. Current fish catches have plummeted from a staggering 60,000 tonnes in the mid-20th century to a mere 4,721 tonnes this year. According to analysis from Invemar, a governmental marine research institute, just 15 fish species remain commercially viable out of the 56 that once thrived here. Jésus Suárez, a data collector for Invemar, notes: “The fish are being lost. If there are no fish, there is no money, no food.”
The Human Cost of Environmental Collapse
Living conditions in Nueva Venecia are strained. Over 2,500 people depend on the ecosystem for their livelihoods, and the diverse nature of the community is being replaced by crushing poverty. Andrea Niebles Mejía, an 18-year-old mother, battles her own demons of despair: “I want to study, but there are no opportunities here and no money for education.”
The Water Crisis: Hazardous and Undrinkable
The water, largely sourced from the Magdalena River, is laden with industrial discharge, heavy metals, and untreated chemicals. Sandra Vilardy, another seasoned marine biologist, describes it succinctly: “These inhabitants are drinking the water with the highest industrial metabolic load in Colombia—without treatment.” Traces of mercury and reports of widespread stomach ailments among children further illustrate the gravity of the situation.
Seeking Solutions Amidst Indifference
Efforts to secure governmental support have been met with little success. Community leader César Rodríguez Ayala asserts that “when there is a commitment from those who hold power, communities change. That is missing.” The Corporación Autónoma Regional del Magdalena (Corpamag), the local environmental authority, faces accusations of negligence in dredging and restoring the critical waterways essential for their survival.
A recent court ruling prompts Corpamag to begin unblocking the Aracataca River, a vital water source now diverted for agricultural purposes. “They have to open the canals that they know are our source of life,” implores Elsy Rodríguez Ayala, a lifelong resident.
The Importance of Restoring the Ciénaga Grande
The return to ecological balance could have implications far exceeding Nueva Venecia. As Vilardy notes, the Ciénaga Grande serves as Colombia’s most crucial coastal wetland, acting as a buffer against rising sea levels and enhancing the resilience of local ecosystems.
A Community United in Resilience
Despite the overwhelming odds, community members remain resolute in their fight. With ongoing construction for a new school, Elsy asserts: “We have raised our children here in Nueva Venecia and Buenavista. We will stay here as long as God allows."
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
The situation in Colombia’s stilt communities serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for environmental stewardship. With the Ciénaga Grande at a breaking point, the time to act is now. As these resilient communities fight to reclaim their future, the world must pay attention and support their struggle to restore both their wetlands and their livelihoods.
For more information on protecting wetlands, you can visit reputable sources like Wetlands International and The World Wildlife Fund.
