In the renowned restaurant Abasto in Bogotá, the official launch of the short film Guardians of the sea: The resilient strength of artisanal fisheries took place. This production highlights the fundamental role of artisanal fishers from Tumaco as ocean guardians and promoters of sustainable practices. 

The event, which brought together community leaders, representatives from the fisheries sector, local authorities, and strategic allies, is part of the project Responsible Use of Fishery Resources for Sustainable Development, funded by Norwegian Cooperation (NORAD). This initiative focused on empowering fishing communities through innovative approaches that not only promote gender equity, inclusive and fair markets, and environmental sustainability but also address the reduction of losses and waste in artisanal fishing through efficient resource use. 

The project emphasized value addition as a key tool to maximize the utilization of fishery products, improving their quality, diversifying their uses, and opening new commercial opportunities that directly benefit local communities under the principles of the blue bioeconomy. This comprehensive strategy reinforces the commitment to sustainable development that balances productivity, respect for the environment, and social well-being. 

This short film is an intimate and moving portrait of the fishing communities in Tumaco. Through its lens, it narrates stories of struggle, innovation, and hope in the face of challenges such as climate change, market inequalities, and a lack of adequate infrastructure. The short film celebrates not only their daily efforts but also their deep connection with the ocean as a source of life and sustenance. 

"The short film is more than a tribute; it is a call to protect the rights and dignity of our artisanal fishers, who are essential for the sustainability of aquatic resources and the food security of our country," expressed Heysel Calderón, FAO's Fisheries Leader.

Blue Transformation and its Multi-Dimensional Impact

Blue Transformation addresses the challenges of the artisanal fishing sector with multidimensional strategies aimed at generating tangible changes in Tumaco and other coastal regions. Its main achievements include: 

• Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses: Implementation of innovative technologies and utilization of by-products to promote a circular economy and boost the blue bioeconomy. 
• Inclusive and Sustainable Markets: Strategic partnerships ensuring fair prices and connecting the fishing sector directly with local and international consumers, cutting out intermediaries. 
• Gender Equity and Community Empowerment: Promotion of female and youth leadership in the fisheries value chain, encouraging their inclusion in key decision-making processes. 
• Environmental Protection: Adoption of responsible practices that ensure the sustainability of marine and coastal resources.

Looking ahead: a national reach for Guardians of the sea

The impact of Guardians of the sea will go beyond its official launch. Starting in January 2025, the short film will be available in all Cinemark theaters across Colombia, bringing the message of resilience and sustainability of Tumaco’s fishing communities to a nationwide audience. This milestone aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and supporting this often-overlooked sector. 

Access to Cinemark theaters will allow this story to reach thousands of Colombians, enabling them to understand and value the efforts of our fishers and the essential role they play in our economy and cultural richness. 

Details in Spanish can be found here.