Agenda Comunitaria del Núcleo 2, Sector Camelias, Bajo Caguán

Despite facing adverse conditions due to decades of armed conflict, state abandonment, and limited job and productive opportunities, the inhabitants of Cartagena del Chairá municipality are motivated to transition towards sustainable rural development, coexistence, and reconciliation. The region has the second-highest deforestation rate in the country, with 11,769 hectares of forest lost in 2014, according to the IDEAM report. In response, regional leaders constructed a community agenda and environmental plan to contribute to the conservation of this valuable ecosystem. The agenda comunitaria presents the principles and thematic lines considered relevant for the construction of a local development plan for the Bajo Caguán region. The Núcleo 2 sector, which represents 20 veredas in Cartagena del Chairá municipality, initiated the construction of this agenda in 2015 through facilitated participation spaces provided by the Fondo Acción. The result is the concertation of three guiding principles and seven thematic areas essential for the formulation and execution of initiatives, programs, and projects in the Bajo Caguán region. The guiding principles of the agenda comunitaria are: 1. The rural inhabitants of Remolinos del Caguán are a population that generates a culture of peace. 2. Education and capacity strengthening are the pillars of community development. 3. Diversification of production is the essence of strengthening the rural economy in the region. The thematic areas prioritized by the Núcleo 2 representatives were selected considering the main elements of a peace-building process based on sustainable rural development and reconciliation between the inhabitants of the territory. These areas include: 1. Socio-Environmental Strategy 2. Sustainable Rural Development 3. Governance 4. Security and Food Sovereignty 5. Reconciliation 6. Participation of Women 7. First Childhood, Childhood, Adolescence, Youth, and Adult Age The agenda comunitaria aims to promote the development of a culture of peace, the empowerment of communities, and the sustainability of the region. The document presents a comprehensive plan for the development of the Bajo Caguán region, focusing on themes such as sustainable forest management, agricultural development, and community participation. The implementation of this agenda requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including community leaders, organizations, and institutions. The document provides a framework for collaboration and coordination among these actors to achieve the goals of sustainable rural development and peace-building in the Bajo Caguán region. The agenda comunitaria is a testament to the commitment of the inhabitants of Cartagena del Chairá municipality to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future. By promoting community participation, education, and capacity strengthening, the agenda aims to create a culture of peace and reconciliation in the region. The document concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of implementing the agenda comunitaria and promoting sustainable rural development in the Bajo Caguán region. The success of this initiative depends on the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders involved, including community leaders, organizations, and institutions.