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Buenaventura - Pacific Coastal Region
Historical and Geographic Description
Location
Buenaventura is the first Colombian port on the Pacific coast to have a high cargo movement compared to the rest of the country’s ports. This situation gives it a geostrategic position within the international Pacific basin. Replica Rolex Submariner
The municipality is located in the Choco biogeographic region, which covers an area of 50,000 square kilometers and goes from the water division in the Western mountain range to the coast and from the limits with Panama to the border with Ecuador; It covers 1,400 kilometers of coastline and includes nine natural parks and fifteen biogeographic districts, thus constituting one of the regions with the greatest biodiversity in the world. Best replica watches
With an area of 6297 square kilometers, the municipality is the largest in Valle del Cauca (29.7% of the department’s total area). This territory covers all the thermal floors, from the coast to the beginnings of the paramo in the Western mountain range; here is the Buenaventura Bay, located in the northwest region. replica watches uk
History
Buenaventura was founded in 1540 by Juan Ladrillero and maintained its status as a village until the beginning of the 20th century. During the Conquest and the Colony, it was a river port of little importance, where wine, salt and household goods were unloaded for the Spaniards who lived in Cali.
Starting in 1915, the development of the city began with the construction of the maritime terminal and the railroad that linked it with Cali and the center of the country. Since that moment, population growth has been distinguished by migrations from the interior of the Colombian Pacific area and its settlement occurred around the port, on Cascajal Island.
In 1925 the station hotel opened with a design by Pablo Emilio Paez, the same one who built the National Palace of Cali. The El Pinal bridge began operating at the end of the 1920s and in 1946 the construction of the Simon Bolivar highway that linked Buenaventura with Cali was completed.
With the conclusion of the port works in 1940, it became evident that these new settlers did not find stable jobs; Port activity has not generated enough jobs, which is why the phenomenon of underemployment that characterizes the contemporary development of the city began.
Social & Cultural Context
It is important to highlight the rural origin of the majority of the inhabitants of Buenaventura to understand the urban dynamics of its current population. The Afro-rural communities of the Pacific coast are made out of matriarch domestic web units who share a particular territory in which they collectively develop their productive activities. This practice foments their sense of community and service reciprocity.
The social structure is established from kinship, economic activities and religious expressions. The matrilocal condition imposes certain characteristics on social dynamics such as the deployment of interests based on the well-being of the group, greater dynamics in social processes (such as family support and work), and maintenance or perpetuation of kinship networks.
In Afro and indigenous communities, there are no tribal chiefs or individuals who exercise authority over large local groups. At least in the communities that live in Buenaventura, authority is exercised by the governor and in turn by the highest authority of the council.
Most of the population of Buenaventura is urban. Thus, the municipal seat is divided into two parts: Cascajal Island, which is the insular area where the main productive activities are grouped; and the mainland, which is a mainly residential area. The urban configuration of the city is longitudinal since it grows on the sides of the Simon Bolivar axis, the main road.
Starting in 1993, the rural population began to decline, probably due to processes of migration and displacement towards the urban center. That is why it is important to highlight the high mobility of the residents of Buenaventura. Since the 20th century it became the economic center of the Pacific coast, so the movement of people in search of work in port and transportation activities is common and constant. In recent decades, it has also received and expelled population due to forced displacement due to violence and drug trafficking.
On the other hand, the low quality of infrastructure and urban facilities, and the few opportunities for qualified labor, have given rise to a floating population that remains in the city on work days but does not settle permanently in the city.
I would further argue, that the privatization of the port authority back in 1993, contribute significantly to the decline of the city. The Colombian central government failed to understand or care about; the consequences of the impact that this privatization will impose on the region. Not only it took away the main source of gainful, secure and well-paid source of employment, but it also created an exodus of retirees, most of whom took their lofty severance and retirement packages and migrated to Cali and other cities – aiding Cali into prosperous city. They took with them financial resources, their seniority, civic knowledge, cultural exchange and mentorship leaving a hole in the city that was never been replaced.
Other Facts
Regarding demographic and racial aspects, Buenaventura – with approximately 400,000 of its inhabitants belonging to the Afro population (88.5% of the population) – is the largest city in the country with a predominance of the black population; and according to DANE census data from 2005, 87.5% of the population recognizes themselves as belonging to an ethnic group.
56.6% of households are made up of at least four members. 37.5% of the population residing in Buenaventura has reached the level of primary education and 32.6% has achieved secondary education; 3.8% have reached the professional level and 0.5% have completed specialization, master’s or doctoral studies.
It should be noted that the condition of poverty and extreme poverty of the population of Buenaventura in 2012 is concentrated at the secondary levels (37.3 and 36%), followed by primary school (35 and 35%) and no type of study (25 and 27%), respectively.
In relation to those people who participate in the labor market, the economically inactive population constitutes the majority of the total population in poverty (75%), while 80% of the same inactive population is part of the population in poverty. of extreme poverty.
Despite its coastal location and having the best qualities in terms of biodiversity, Buenaventura has not developed its tourist attraction. Furthermore, the forced displacement that has brought thousands of unemployed people from the departments of Cauca, Choco, and Narino increases the slums and the unemployment rate. This process results in higher poverty rates, a situation that worsens with the internal displacement of the last months of 2013.
The educational offer of technical or technological programs and higher education in the district, although varied, is insufficient. According to port sector executives and some businessmen, the level of graduates is not competitive to occupy positions that are currently covered by professionals from other cities. I don’t necessarily agree with this alleged fact, I know for a fact that there are many professionals in the city that cannot find jobs in the port sector executives. There is a persistent racial component to which I will discuss at another junction of this document.
Underground Economy And Drug Trafficking
High levels of unemployment have made the illegal economy an option for residents, who frequently engage in drug trafficking as hitmen and dealers. Drug trafficking is the main illegal activity in the area. The process, from the cultivation of coca to the manufacturing of cocaine, is carried out in the same district. Since 2000, illegal businesses were strengthened with the arrival of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). These groups have publicly recognized the strategic importance of Buenaventura due to its proximity to Ecuador and Panama.
Note: From personal knowledge, there is now also the addition of the Mexican cartels who are bidding for control of this important drug trafficking route.
The 30th front of the FARC is dedicated to drug trafficking and uses the river estuaries to transport drugs. They are no longer dedicated only to the sale of coca but rather they grow, process and export it. For its part, the paramilitaries manage the macro business and move large shipments from the area, both by land and by sea, internal corridors and port exit points (ANDI, NIR AND FIP). Clashes between paramilitary groups occur daily and affect the population and leave the civilian population dead, missing and displaced.
On the other hand, the actors of the armed conflict use different forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence to “injure the enemy,” either by dehumanizing the victim, violating their family nucleus, or imparting terror in their community, in order to advance the control of territories and resources. In this type of violence, first of all, women can be direct targets or collateral victims due to their emotional relationships as daughters, mothers, wives, partners and sisters. Secondly, the violence intended to cause forced displacement from the territory brings these women the consequent uprooting from their homes, their daily lives, community and family. Also, as a third term, there is sexual violence that can accompany the forced recruitment of women and that is intended to make them provide sexual services to members of the guerrilla or paramilitary forces. Fourthly, there is also violence aimed at making them the constant object of social control patterns imposed by illegal armed groups in populations or territories under their control.
Opportunities
Opportunities In Group
The renewal and expansion of the current underutilized airport into an international and cargo airport.
The synergetic unification of port terminals under the same authority would make it possible to rationalize operations and services.
The creation of different industries that support the diversity of jobs with vocational training support in different fields (textile cluster, tourism, ancestral knowledge, culinary, etc.)
Free zones, trade with Asia, Pacific Alliance, FTA with the United States, bioceanic connection, and expansion of the Panama Canal: will increase the city’s port and logistics industrial growth capacity. And with the hope that many of these opportunities are given to natives of Buenaventura and not to executives from outside the region.
Application of Buenaventura as Capital of the Pacific Alliance. And give you the respective teeth, services and financial support that this application deserves.
Appointment of a Special, Industrial, Port, Biodiverse and Ecotourism District, which gives greater autonomy and management capacity.
RSE actions to support training and care for the environment.
Currently, Chile and Peru are competing to establish megaports on their coasts that, interconnected to bioceanic corridors, will become the gateway to Asia.
Contribute to addressing climate change.
Respond to international interests in the conservation of tropical areas.
Provide natural medicines and secondary products from forests.
Respond to the growing international demand for ecotourism and sustainable tourism.
Possible installation of a Pacific gas pipeline and oil pipeline for the import of Colombian and Venezuelan oil to Asian markets.
Possible installation of a water aqueduct to supply the Southwestern United States, which is projected to run out of fresh water in the coming years.
Urban and Suburban Opportunities
Close proximity to the Anchicaya (renewable energy) hydroelectric plant.
Future Expansion of the Malecon in Cascajal Island.
Mobility plan with recommendations for urban interventions, road and rail networks, public transport systems, as well as for specific circuits: food markets. Other actions: remodeling of the coastal port, cycle routes.
Weakness
Weakness In Groups
High rates of poverty, unemployment, crime, weakness of institutions. Low life expectancy.
Low level of economic development and competitiveness of the territory.
The size of the territory makes management difficult. Bad connectivity.
Current Territorial Planning Plan: it does not have a reference model or urban project thesis. The spaces and equipment are not assigned with a sense of service to the population. Unstructured urban land.
Precarious public and home services, especially water and sewage. There is no treatment plant or sanitary deposit.
Deficient municipal environmental management
Urban and Suburban Weaknesses
Discontinuous territory: three urban centers articulated by a central axis, the Simon Bolivar.
Little public space and little development.
Precarious stilt housing areas (Bajamar).
Inefficient mobility systems for both the economy and the population.
A rudimentary airport with low to no activity.
Deficit de insfraestructura importantes, entorno urbano agresivo debido al trafico de grandes camiones y la ocupacion de espacios para almacenamiento y distribucion.
Inability in waste management and in the provision of services for correct management of tourist flows.
Typology of single-family housing, few buildings, few equipment and in segregated areas.
Absence of socially dynamic urban fabrics. That is, lack of spaces for meeting and exchange between members of the community (such as cultural spaces, and educational, among others).
The invasion of urban land is a characteristic of the migrant population.
Educational level: 37.5% basic primary, 32.6% secondary, 3.8% professional, 0.5% specialized and 10.4% without studies
Population with income below the poverty level: 43.5% (almost three times the national rate). All in income bracket 0, 1, 2 and 3 (Colombian standards for income brackets) .
Strength
Colombian port with a very good geostrategic location towards regional trade and with the Asian bloc. One of the safest bays for the arrival and departure of deep draft ships.
Port through which more than 70% of the country’s exchange takes place.
Recognition of the need for a long-term territorial planning instrument that integrates the advantages of Buenaventura and its development possibilities with environmental, urban, economic and social sustainability criteria: master plan.
Development of the new Territorial Planning Plan.
Great institutional support for the transformation of the district.
Diversity and cultural wealth of black and indigenous communities (Afro-Colombian population: 88.5%). Communities organized to make prior consultations on infrastructure projects.
High biodiversity and endemism: declaration of Special and Biodiverse District. Territory inserted within a forest reserve of tropical humid forests and floodplain forests.
High biodiversity and endemism: declaration of Special and Biodiverse District. Territory inserted within a forest reserve of tropical humid forests and floodplain forests.
Urban and Suburban Strengths
The port use of Buenaventura is an economic engine and driving force for population growth.
Plan design as a tool to anticipate medium and long-term situations.
Stable energy supply and demand. The coverage of the energy service in the district is very broad; However, other population centers outside the city do not have a supply.
Good telecommunications network and coverage for both voice and data.
Threats
Threats In Groups
Development of port cities that represent competition in the Pacific region.
Infrastructure deficit that links Buenaventura with its nearby regional and national environment.
High vulnerability of the area to geological phenomena (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.) and the environment, threatened by urban, port and rural activity.
Irregular economy (due to drug trafficking) and armed conflicts that produce an informal economy and population displacement.
Risk of contamination due to the handling and transfer of fuels to supply the region.
Possible incompatibilities in land use due to occupation in risk areas.
Urban and Suburban Threats
The development of planned economic activities will lead to an increase in migratory pressure and future social imbalances.
A possible increase in population will significantly increase motorization due to the absence of planning and a sustainable mobility system.
Inappropriate land uses as a result of future urban land invasion movements.
Macroprojects like San Antonio (outside the city) represent a mistake due to the location and the urban planning model that lead to mobility problems.
Potential danger of accidents due to fuel storage and conduction infrastructure.
Urban displacement caused by conflicts between drug trafficking gangs.
