CoCrea brought to Honda the memory of the Magdalena River: communities and knowledge seeking to protect its waters and preserve its cultural legacy throughout Colombia

CoCrea presented to Honda the memory of the Magdalena River: communities and knowledge seeking to protect its waters and preserve their cultural legacy throughout Colombia On August 15 and 16, the III Encuentro Ciudadanos del Río: Comunidades creadoras took place in Honda, Tolima, bringing together fishermen, knowledge holders, artists, and other stakeholders to discuss the protection of the Magdalena River and its associated traditions. Organized by CoCrea in collaboration with La Magdalena Fest, the two-day event highlighted the deep connection between the river and the communities that live along its banks, emphasizing how waterways shape daily life, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. The Magdalena River holds a central role in Colombia’s history and continues to be integral to the lives of fishermen, residents of the riverbanks, indigenous communities, mangrove guardians, knowledge keepers, and families who rely on these waters for sustenance and tradition. The encounter sought to demonstrate that rivers cannot be understood solely through environmental lenses but must also be viewed through the prism of culture, memory, and community practices. Participants included artisanal fishermen, researchers, knowledge holders, community leaders, and artists from across the country. Activities ranged from workshops on creating zines and radio dramas to dialogues on cultural knowledge essential for preserving aquatic ecosystems. Notable figures such as writer and geologist Ignacio Piedrahíta, weaver of knowledge Dugunawin Arroyo, artisanal fishermen Raúl Rondón and Wafran Martínez, and plant knowledge keeper Enny Conto contributed insights rooted in lived experience and ancestral wisdom. CoCrea's approach emphasizes the interplay between conservation and culture. María del Pilar Ordóñez Méndez, director general of the organization, explained that this was one of the main goals of the Ciudadanos del Río initiative. “Ciudadanos del Río aims to make visible the cultural practices and ancestral knowledge of Colombian communities that care for bodies of water,” she stated. “Through these conversations, we want to show the public that environmental care is inseparable from culture.” Ordóñez emphasized that the event went beyond environmental conditions alone. It brought together fishermen, knowledge holders, researchers, artists, and representatives from diverse regions to share personal experiences and ways in which territory shapes their lives. She argued that engaging with the river through creativity fosters a different kind of connection than purely technical or institutional discussions. “From the creative realm, I believe it is crucial to raise awareness of the importance of the river because that comes from feeling,” she explained. She noted that while much environmental discourse has focused on reason, through policies, regulations, and laws, true change requires emotional engagement and creativity. “We have spoken extensively from the mind, from policy, from decrees, from laws, from conversations, but real change must come from the heart, from feeling, and creativity makes that possible,” she asserted. The event underscored the need for a holistic understanding of water management, integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary efforts. By highlighting the cultural significance of the Magdalena River, the gathering aimed to inspire broader recognition of the value of local wisdom in safeguarding natural resources. As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on fostering dialogue and action that bridges ecological preservation with cultural continuity.