Bajo Jagua: Where Resilience Runs with the River
The community of Bajo Jagua, located in the rural area of San Andrés de Tumaco, Nariño, is surrounded by lush forests and nestled along the banks of the Mira River. To reach it, travelers follow a mix of dirt roads and highways, crossing landscapes that reflect the region’s extraordinary natural wealth.
This small village, home to 88 families—mostly of Afro-descendant heritage—is a place where tradition and resilience go hand in hand. The population is largely elderly, as many young people have migrated in search of new opportunities. Every afternoon, after finishing their daily chores, community members gather under a large almond tree by the river to share stories, reflect on challenges, and dream together—nurturing the deep bonds that hold them strong.
The Impact of Armed Conflict
Like many rural communities in Colombia, Bajo Jagua has experienced the long shadow of violence. In 2016, armed clashes in the area forced the mass displacement of over 220 people to Tumaco, disrupting the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the community.
Strategically located on the Pacific coast and near the Ecuadorian border, Tumaco has historically been disputed by illegal armed groups seeking to control territory and transit routes. In 2022, the municipality saw a significant increase in armed conflict, becoming a high-risk zone. According to Colombia’s National Victims’ Registry, between 1985 and August 2023, Tumaco recorded more than 199,000 victims of the armed conflict.
ASOPESCONA Is Born: An Organization for Progress and Hope
In the face of adversity, the community responded with leadership. ASOPESCONA—the Association of Fishermen, Shellfish Gatherers, and Farmers of Bajo Mira and Frontera—was created as a local initiative to protect the community’s way of life. The association aims to strengthen artisanal fishing, promote leadership, and build sustainable livelihoods rooted in the local environment.
With the support of Heartland Alliance International, the association began to grow. Community members received training, fishing tools, and technical guidance. They adopted sustainable fishing techniques and reclaimed their historical role as guardians of the river and its natural resources.
Preparing for Risks, Building Community Resilience
In response to ongoing threats from both conflict and natural disasters, the community developed a Community Risk Preparedness and Mitigation Plan. Through this effort, residents participated in workshops on mental health, emotional and physical first aid, victims’ rights, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
They also made tangible improvements to their environment: enhancing the local community hall and receiving habitat kits, mosquito nets, sanitary facilities, and kitchen utensils—improving both daily life and emergency readiness.
To ensure long-term inclusion and accountability, the community formed two key spaces: the Community Advisory and Accountability Council (CAAC) and the Youth Advisory Council (JAAC). These spaces gave voice to both adults and young people, ensuring transparency, building trust, and helping align support with the community’s real priorities.
A Future Carved by Its People
The experience of Bajo Jagua shows what can happen when resilience meets opportunity. Through participatory planning, collective action, and a people-centered approach, the community has regained hope, strengthened its cultural roots, rebuilt part of its local economy, and opened the door to new possibilities for future generations.
