Duván has always lived near the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia. He remembers that since childhood his father Arnoldo Garrido, a fisherman in the area, taught him and his brothers the importance of taking care of this body of water because it’s where the family’s sustenance came from.  

 “I remember that my Dad used to gather us to tell us stories about fishermen from the Ciénega. I was struck by the way my father emphasized the importance of taking care of it [the Ciénega].” Duván Garrido

The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta was the only source of income for families making a living from fishing in this area of Magdalena, Colombia. Over the years and due to bad recycling practices, and the construction of an important road, the lagoon complex was affected, causing a considerable loss of flora and fauna.  

 “Previously, there was a lot of variety of fish. I remember that this area was known for the variety of foods that Ciénaga [the marsh] gave us. Today, that has changed completely and it’s regrettable. Without a doubt, it’s certainly a very clear message that we’re doing something wrong.”  

 Duván’s family has been affected by changes and pollution in La Ciénaga. His father has been forced to leave the fishing trade and seek other economic alternatives.  

The economic situation forced his father to move to another city in Colombia in order to look for other sources of income. This situation in particular made him aware of the importance of caring for La Ciénaga as a source of income but also as a place that he has seen since his childhood. More than two years ago he became part of “Cría Pez” a fishermen’s association dedicated to giving talks to raise awareness in the surrounding communities about the importance of caring for the environment. Duván is one of the few young people who make up this well-known organization in Magdalena.  

 “I’m proud to be part of this wonderful project that “Cría Pez” is a part of. Here we raise awareness among kids, who are going to be the future, and also among adults so that they are aware of the environmental damage that we are not only causing to the marsh, but to the entire planet. . .” he says.   

 Through the cultivation and planting of mangrove seedings, the Cría Pez association, with the support of Malteser International Americas, seeks to improve the conditions of the Ciénaga Grande of Santa Marta. This group of fishermen and young people also do things related to recycling and reuse of plastic, give talks in schools, and look to generate a sense of environmental responsibility in the Rosario Islands 

 “My dream is that this place is plastic free, I don’t want to see more trash in La Ciénaga. I want to see that variety of fish again that I used to see when I was a little, I’m sure that if we all worked together, we will make a change.” 

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