Activities

Nexus-Movilidad-Energía

In February 2020, the first solar charging station for electric outboard motors was installed together with the community of Las Varas. This station has 4 solar panels (200Wh) that, together with a solar controller will provide power for the batteries associated with the Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 engine available for coastal fishing activities.

Rey Guerrero, Colombian chef accompanied us to a cooking experience with the members of the Community Council “Esfuerzo Pescador” where we shared traditional knowledge of the Pacific cuisine. During this activity we prepared a "pandao" with the catch of the day and we shared couplets and stories around the kitchen as well as the secrets of using wild coriander, annatto and the seven basil of the Pacific for food seasoning.

Women from ASOMUPEZ association were equipped with 4 folding 50Wh panels which will allow greater autonomy for the electric outboards. After indicating the details of the operation of the technology both on land and in the water, we embarked for tests near the Macharal community.

We accompanied a group of fishermen to a 12-hours fishing journey. We covered more than 50km and collected about 2000 hooks. We sailed using traditional motors and electric motors with the aim of evaluating the feasibility of this technology in distant fishing. Before concluding, we enjoyed a shrimp tapao' (typical preparation accompanied by banana) with a view of Isla Gorgona.

We embarked with hook and bowling fishermen to learn more about their activity. We recorded distances traveled, routes, fishing gear, duration of the tasks, type of engine and fuel consumption, among other variables necessary to characterize the activity. After this trip we will design a test with electric motors to evaluate the possibility of introducing this technology in coastal fishing activities.

We conducted monitoring activities of the operation of the electric motor used by women at ASOMUPEZ association for piangüa harvesting activities. We resolved their doubts about batteries handling and they told us about the additional uses that they have given to the motors such as chicken sales, visits to coconut crops as well as other social and religious activities. Finally, we visited the "Esterones" mangrove for the collection of shells.

We met with allies and other institutions interested in giving value to piangüa shells and highlight the importance of the Pacific coast and its natural resources. We shared the learning outcomes from the project “Sustainable Value Chains in Artisanal Fishing”. Kennedy Caicedo, community leader and Ninfa Cuero, a Piangüera woman, engaged in dialogue with attendees and told their experience with electric motors and the benefits they have brought to the community. During the event we enjoyed a “borojó” cocktail accompanied by “aborrajados” and piangüa ceviche.

The Community Council “Esfuerzo Pescador” is located in an area of ​​great biological importance. Its mangrove forests are classified as one of the highest in the world and the sand banks of "Quiñones" and "La Cunita" correspond to breeding areas of more than 50,000 individuals of shorebirds that stop every year in this territory. To commemorate the great natural wealth, the Calidris Association, together with the community, celebrates the "Migration Festival" every year. With songs, tales, dramatizations, dances and typical dishes, the inhabitants of Santa Barbara de Iscuandé recognize the importance of their territory and the need to protect it.

We visited "El Cuerval" for a follow up on how the community was using the electric outboard they have received. We embarked on a trip to the "Rosales" mangrove for the recollection of shells that will be used for physicochemical analysis of this species in the territory and allow the viability study of piangüa as a commercial species. During the journey “Olivio”, “Coco” and “Chocó” told us about this ancient practice and the relationship they have on a daily basis with the mangrove swamps.

This was an intimate evening to experience in an innovative fashion one of the most representative artisanal fishing products of the Colombian Pacific: piangüa. The attendees were delighted by chef Leonor Espinosa with exquisite food and guided by Felipe Reinoso, an expert in multisensory experiences, through a journey that transported them to the Pacific, its mangroves and its people.

"Soledad Pueblito” school operates school transportation with a boat that uses a combustion engine and relies on governmental subsidies to perform its daily activities. Nonetheless, subsidies tend to be insufficient and students miss 20% of classes every year. We performed a diagnosis on the trips, travel times and number of students for the design of a school boat that assures transport and class attendance.

Women at ASOMUPEZ association were the first recipients of Torqeedo Travel 1003 electric outboard as a beneficiary of the project “Sustainable Value Chains in Artisanal Fisheries” for the recollection of shells. In addition, we conducted training on the use of the engines and a practical workshop in which we traveled to the estuaries for the recollection of piangüa.

National Natural Parks (PNN), National Fishing Authority (AUNAP), Ministry of Environment, National Planning Department (DNP) and FENOGE came with us to try out different electric outboard engines in the water. The participants were able to drive the boats in different trips and experience the technology and its performance.

We visited the communities of Purricha, Gineal, Pilizá y Orpú invited by Mucho Colombia in order to present the electric outboard technology to fishermen and pinagüeras. Mucho is an initiative that seeks to shorten distances between producers and final consumers through a process in which biodiverse products are recognized by fair prices as well as the possibility to engage in commercial agreements.