Autor: ecoceano

ABSTRACTDahl’s sea turtle (Mesoclemmys dahli) is a freshwater species endemic to the tropical dry forest (TDF) of the Colombian Caribbean. Its historical distribution is limited to drainage systems associated with floodplains, seasonal streams, and riparian forests in the departments of Córdoba, Magdalena, Atlántico, and Bolívar. It is categorized as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to intense anthropogenic landscape transformation, loss of ecological connectivity, reduction of dry forest cover, hydrological alteration, and pressures from productive land use. The species exhibits an ecology closely linked to temporary and permanent aquatic microhabitats, with activity cycles conditioned by the climatic seasonality characteristic of the TDF.Between 2022 and 2024, local initiatives were implemented for the conservation of M. dahli populations. *M. dahli in the streams that drain into the Ciénaga Grande complex, in the municipality of Lorica (Córdoba), through participatory processes with rural communities. As a result, community conservation agreements were established, facilitating the ecological restoration of approximately 45 hectares of riparian forest, a critical habitat for the species and a strategic water source for local communities. The actions implemented included controlling stress factors in riparian zones (such as overgrazing and deforestation), establishing more than 3,700 propagules of native and threatened forest species, rehabilitating degraded productive areas, and promoting sustainable production systems compatible with conservation. Simultaneously, the documentation of local ecological knowledge about the biology, behavior, and habitat use of M. dahli was strengthened, integrating traditional knowledge into monitoring and adaptive management processes. These interventions contributed to strengthening territorial governance for conservation, promoting community co-responsibility in the protection of the tropical dry forest and the socio-ecological resilience of aquatic systems associated with the species.

This preliminary study aimed to diagnose the conditions of access to, quality of, and use of drinking water in Indigenous communities located along the banks of the San Jorge River, as well as to evaluate the technical, environmental, and climatic feasibility of implementing a water purification system powered by photovoltaic solar energy. The research was conducted by an interdisciplinary team from the ECOCEANOS Corporation, in collaboration with experts from the University of the Caribbean and the University of Córdoba, through fieldwork, direct observation, and technical analysis of the territory. The study identified a recurring public health problem associated with the consumption of untreated water, resulting from direct river intake and the absence of water purification systems in the communities evaluated. This situation particularly affects pregnant women, who are at greater risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as toxoplasmosis, as well as children and the elderly. Additionally, climatic conditions, solar radiation levels, and average temperatures in the area were analyzed to determine the feasibility of operating a photovoltaic system as the primary energy source. The results confirmed that the territory has favorable conditions for solar power generation, thus providing technical support for the implementation of an autonomous water extraction and purification system. This preliminary study served as the basis for the project design, ensuring its social, health, and technical relevance.

SUMMARYThis five-year program (2025-2030) proposes native ornamental horticulture as an innovative pedagogical and bioclimatic strategy for schools in the Colombian dry Caribbean. We have demonstrated, based on international and local evidence, that the implementation of school gardens with ornamental species typical of the region can generate significant impacts.The data indicate that these green spaces can increase students’ attention by up to 25% and reduce their stress levels by 20%. In addition, the presence of native flora in school gardens has a positive effect on local biodiversity, doubling the presence of pollinators.The study details the theoretical foundations that underpin this initiative, a rigorous selection process of species adapted to the dry Caribbean ecosystem, the phases of implementation of the program and the evaluation mechanisms to measure its effectiveness. In essence, we offer a replicable roadmap that fuses the beauty of native vegetation with applied science and the active participation of the educational community, creating more enriching and sustainable learning environments.Keywords: ornamental horticulture, pedagogical strategy, student care, stress reduction, local biodiversity, native flora, community participation, learning environments, sustainability.

SUMMARY The Embera Katío indigenous community in Tierralta, Córdoba, is facing a serious environmental and public health crisis due to the accumulation of plastic waste and the lack of an efficient solid waste management system. The absence of adequate public policies has led to unsustainable practices, such as burning garbage, which releases toxic substances and causes respiratory diseases. In addition, the accumulated plastics retain stagnant water, creating ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue and Zika. In 2023, 4,300 cases of dengue were reported in the area, an increase of 132% compared to the previous year. In 2022, Ecoceanos managed to achieve a plastic compacting machine, reducing the volume of waste by 70% and generating local jobs. However, the instability of the electricity supply and high operating costs have limited its effectiveness. This document analyzes the problem, proposes technical and social solutions, and evaluates the expected results. The solutions include stabilizing the electricity supply, using renewable energies, optimizing the compaction system, and strengthening the circular economy. An 80% reduction in the volume of waste, a significant decrease in cases of dengue and Zika, and the generation of local jobs are expected. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve the quality of life of the community, protect the environment and respect the Embera Katío culture.Keywords: Plastic waste, public health, Embera Katío, dengue, circular economy, waste management, renewable energy, environmental pollution.