Gondola Trip in the Mangroves of La Boquilla in Cartagena

Mangroves are habitats with incredible biodiversity and act as a major carbon sink. It is crucial for coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are also nurseries for many marine life as they serve as a natural barrier to protect the land from swells and storm surges. The beaches of La Boquilla are located in the northernmost part of Cartagena. They are a popular place for most residents of the City, particularly among mid- and low-income families. For decades, this district lacked investment and growth compared to richer areas of the city like Bocagrande, where sky-scratching hotels and buildings started to rise thanks to Cartagena's charming Caribbean atmosphere and colonial heritage, a major attraction for tourists. The lack of investment meant that La Boquilla struggled to maintain necessities such as potable water, waste management, energy and food security. Everything seemed to be going wrong until a group of fishermen noticed a significant decline in their fishing activities, attributable to deteriorating natural conditions. This downturn affected not only their economic livelihood but also the well-being of their families and the entire community. So they organised themselves and engaged with the local government to secure public services in their area, training the community in waste management to stop contaminating water flows, and consequently, the ocean. After many years of efforts, the mangrove ecosystem, which had been the community's landfill, began to recover. Fishbirds such as herons, egrets, ibis, and pelicans started to thrive, and typical fish species like mojarra and snook, integral to the identity of La Boquilla and its fishers, returned. This canoe trip will take you through the channels and tunnels formed by dense mangrove forests at Cienaga de la Virgen. Here, you will go deeply into the heart of this ecosystem, making stops at small hideaways where biodiversity reveals the treasures surrounding this magnificent place.

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