Every morning, a group of women from the Colombian Pacific coast sails towards the mangrove of the region in search of pianguas. The pianguas are small mollusks that grow among the roots of these coastal forests, which are part of the livelihood of these families.
This action not only ensures their sustenance but also symbolizes a deeply respectful relationship with nature. Before starting the collection, the women perform a ritual of gratitude and permission towards the mangroves, demonstrating the balance between utilization and the preservation of ecosystems.
Pianguas are a prized ingredient in traditional gastronomy, used in dishes like encocados and ceviches. However, their value transcends the kitchen. For the women of the Raíces del Manglar association, this food represents a direct connection with life itself. “Babies must be returned,” explains Magnolia, one of the women in the group, emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural cycle of these mollusks. After the harvest, the pianguas are distributed among local cooks, closing a chain of work led by women who not only fight for their communities but also for the conservation of the natural environment.
In addition to their role in nutrition, the shells of the pianguas are reused in crafts, showing how sustainable practices generate income and strengthen cultural identity. In this region, marked by conflict and poverty, projects like this demonstrate how nature and tradition can become tools of empowerment and resilience.
### Restoring the mangrove is restoring peace
The Colombian Pacific, with its lush mangroves and diverse coasts, is a pillar in the fight against climate change. These areas are known for storing large amounts of carbon and protecting coasts from erosion. However, the increasing pressure of climate change has severely affected these ecosystems. For this reason, the Biocultural Pacific project, led by the FAO and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), took the initiative to work on the restoration of over 240 hectares of mangroves, using native species like the red mangrove.
In this regard, Pamela Quiñones, a community leader, points out: “The restoration greatly benefits our community. The larger the mangroves, the better they protect our homes from the advance of the sea.” This effort, managed directly by local communities, not only strengthens biodiversity but also promotes food security and creates economic opportunities in harmony with the environment.
### Seeds of hope
The project also promotes green businesses that combine environmental conservation with income generation. A notable example is Procacao Tumatay, which transforms former coca cultivation lands into cocoa plantations. These initiatives not only replace illicit activities with sustainable value chains but also rebuild the social fabric of communities affected by conflict.
Likewise, nature tourism, such as the Bird-Mi Turismo birdwatching corridor, brings together multiethnic communities in the conservation and promotion of their environment. This inclusive approach aims to demonstrate that it is possible to find peace in harmony between nature, culture, and sustainable development.
In the hands of women like Magnolia and projects like the Biocultural Pacific, the future of the Colombian Pacific could significantly improve. This is thanks to their actions that not only restore mangroves and livelihoods but also seek to deliver a powerful message: caring for nature is caring for life itself.
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