United for San Andres: ProColombia participated in a cleanup day on the island
In collaboration with the Secretariat of Tourism of San Andres and members of the local community, a waste collection activity was carried out on the island's beaches. More than 500 kg of plastic, more than 700 kg of glass, more than 500 kg of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, and almost 20 tons of plant material were collected.
The San Andres landfill, called Magic Garden, is facing a critical situation due to the large amount of garbage it receives daily. With approximately 70 tons of waste per day, it is estimated that it has only two years of useful life left. In addition, in this region, waste incineration is common and the options for waste utilization are limited.
“For ProColombia, it is fundamental to join volunteer initiatives such as this one, which are fully aligned with our purpose of positioning Colombia as a sustainable and quality destination. We are committed to building a cleaner and more prosperous future for all, and these actions are significant steps in that direction,” explained ProColombia's president, Carmen Caballero.
Despite being a renowned tourist destination thanks to its biodiversity, the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina urgently needs sustainable waste management models. For this reason, various organizations and citizens are carrying out actions to improve cleanliness and quality of life on the island.
The Schooner Bight Ethnic Association's project has been instrumental in the collection of recyclable waste, but they recently suffered the loss of their collection center in a fire. Thanks to LATAM's 'Avion Solidario' program, waste can be transported off the island for recycling.
Despite these efforts, it is recognized that much remains to be done to fully address the island's waste problem. It is crucial to maintain commitment in both voluntary actions and daily practices to achieve lasting change.
This work in San Andrés is an important step towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment, but everyone's collaboration is needed to preserve this region of Colombia, known as El País de la Belleza (The Land of Beauty). Every action counts in building a better future for all.
