The project aims two objectives: 1. Support sustainable farming and food projects in La Blanquita Murrí. 2. Empower communities in La Blanquita Murrí to develop sustainably and protect the environment.
Directly involved: 50 young people (from Emberá, Afro-descendant, and peasant communities), organised as a youth initiative that is part of the “Mesa Interétnica por la Paz” in La Blanquita, are active participants in the Agroecological School. 250 people — including adults, elders, peace accord signatories, and actively involved women — participate in the project’s activities. Since the implementation area is large and the communities are spread out, usually 1–2 representatives attend and then share the knowledge with their communities. Indirectly involves: “La Mesa Interétnica por la Paz” in Blanquita-Murrí include 7 Community Action Boards, 34 indigenous communities and 1 afro-descendant community. The Project affects in total aprox. 9.000 persons (7500 indigenous Embera Eyabida, 1.000 peasants, 500 afro-descendants).
The Blanquita-Murrí region (Frontino, Antioquia) with 9,000 inhabitants, mostly Indigenous Embera Eyabidá, faces severe development challenges due to armed conflict, legal and illegal mining, natural disasters, and limited state presence. Food security in the region is at risk due to soil degradation and deforestation driven by mining, livestock, and agricultural activities. The use of mercury in mining further contaminates vital water sources. Inadequate infrastructure in the remote area and limited access to education restrict opportunities—particularly for young people. In response, the community is seeking support for sustainable development through agroecological education. Their goal is to revive traditional practices, strengthen resilience, and raise awareness of the connections between territorial conflicts, agroecological production, and environmental sustainability.
CONPAZCOL is a network of 140 victims’ organizations and promotes the organisational strengthening of urban and rural ethnic peoples and communities to demand their rights as victims, to construct peace in their territories and the restore environmental and social damage as a fundamental basis for reconciliation and non-repetition.
The NGO has more than 30 years of experience in accompanying rural communities (Afro-descendant, indigenous and peasant) in conservation agriculture, strengthening grassroots organisations, developing actions aimed at improving gender equity and the formation of values of respect for all forms of life.
The network is made up of indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, peasants and signatories of the 2016 Peace Agreement. Its main objective is the construction of territorial peace, addressing the violence that has affected the region for decades and transforming the conditions that prevent a dignified life, including environmental protection and defence.