Projects
Since 2016 we have led several projects that align with and advance our three core pillars: Ocean & Beach Cleanups, Empowering People and Promoting Culture. Through these initiatives, we work to protect Cartagena’s coastal ecosystems, strengthen local communities and celebrate the cultural identity that connects people to the sea. Each project contributes to our broader mission of creating a cleaner, more sustainable and better future for both nature and society.
Beach & Ocean Cleanup Projects
🌎 Mujeres Eco-guías (2023):
A total of 4,750 kg of waste were collected during educational and artistic cleanup campaigns. Activities focused on water quality improvement, ecosystem protection, and climate change adaptation. Women played a leading role in workshops, awareness campaigns, and community leadership activities. Together with Fundación Fénix, 20 women were trained and certified as eco-guides, forming a cohesive group of around 10 active eco-guides and entrepreneurs. Certification was obtained through CARDIQUE.
🌎 Community Waste Compactor (2022):
With the support of Corona, a waste compactor was installed for ASOCOMANGLE, improving the working conditions of recyclers and women involved in waste sorting and classification. The project also continued to strengthen women-led ecotourism as a sustainability strategy.
🌎 Tamarin and Colombia Cuida Colombia (2021):
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation organized community-based environmental volunteer teams in Punta Arena. Residents exchanged environmental work—cleaning their streets and satellite dumpsites—for meals and food supplies. This strengthened community unity: women and families worked together daily to clean their neighborhoods while receiving humanitarian support. The initiative emphasized collective and environmental action rather than assistance, removing 28 tons of waste from Punta Arena with the support of the Antares vessel.
🌎 Tierra Bomba Limpia (2016–2018):
With the support of Anadarko, the Foundation implemented an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (PMIRS). The community actively participated in cleanups, mural painting and cultural activities. Nearly 1,000 volunteers mobilized to raise awareness about the island’s environmental challenges. The project transformed the community’s image and forged numerous alliances that strengthened the process.
Empowering People Projects
🤝🏼 Punta Arena Resiliente (2024–present):
This ongoing project promotes the economic, environmental and cultural sustainability of the Punta Arena community, with a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment.
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36 people (32 women) received training in entrepreneurship, digital marketing and sustainable tourism.
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A revolving fund was created to support local women artisans.
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A Community Ecotourism Route pilot was launched, benefiting eco-guides and entrepreneurs.
Culturally, the project rescued oral histories of elder women and held intergenerational workshops. Environmentally, it achieved the collection of over 13 tons of waste, documented 72 plant species and 72 bird species, and established a local biodiversity monitoring team.
Overall, the project strengthened 29 strategic alliances, benefited over 280 families and 326 children, and implemented the CAMBIAZO recycling program. It also revitalized the Punta Arena school—painting and decorating it inside and out, creating reading corners in classrooms, and donating books and furniture.
Its comprehensive approach ensured sustainable impact and strong community participation.
🤝🏼 Punta Arena Sostenible (2019–2021):
Community organizations led by women were trained as multipliers of sustainable environmental practices within their households. The project promoted the restoration of “La Salina” and the creation of an ecological trail, providing women eco-guides with new opportunities for economic empowerment.
Promoting Culture Projects
📚 Guardianes del Océano (2020–present):
Launched in 2020, Guardians of the Ocean aims to raise awareness among communities in Cartagena and Tierra Bomba about marine pollution and promote better waste management practices. The initiative is built on five pillars: the Clean Sea Pact (Pacto Mar Limpio), the educational booklet “Soy Mar”, the educational and cleanup vessel Antares 71 and pedagogical sculptures made from waste, blending art, education and environmental action.
📚 Tierra Bomba Recicla (2018–2019):
The project strengthened the organizational capacities of the community, especially among recyclers and local leaders. It supported the formalization of recycling groups and equipped the temporary recycling warehouse. Women played a key role in awareness campaigns and in workshops on waste utilization and environmental education.
