Guardianes de la Naturaleza
 © Oceanvida
 Copyright 2006-2014
See photo album Fotos%20Photos%202.htmlshapeimage_4_link_0
Home    Mission    Volunteer    Donate    Projects    About    Join us    Photos    Contact
Projects During the last few decades the destruction of coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries and tropical dry forest along the Caribbean coast of Colombia has dangerously escalated, affecting most directly those communities that depend on them for their survival. As population grows and natural resources dwindle, people are forced to use more destructive and thorough fishing methods, thus setting the stage for ecological disaster. In fact, overfishing, destructive fishing methods, overexploitation of natural resources, unregulated coastal development, among others, have pushed these ecosystems—some of the most productive and bio-diverse on the planet—to the brink of ecological collapse. This is not only threatening the communities in question, but future generations as well. In the context of Colombia, local communities play a critical role in the conservation of their environment. Based on this premise, we have designed our education programs to address the environmental, social and economic needs of local communities. Since 2007 we have been working with different communities along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, specifically in San Bernardo del Viento (Cordoba Department) and Isla Fuerte (Bolivar Department). Our comprehensive education program includes: • Basic ecology and conservation classes. • Sustainable use of marine resources. • Preservation of threatened species, mainly marine turtles and manatees. • Restoration of marine ecosystems, including mangrove reforestation. • Ecotourism. • Healthy living and water sports. • Working with the community. • Personal growth and teamwork. • Integration to sustainable economy. Club de Surfistas del Viento In early 2013 OceanVida (through our Guardianes de la Naturaleza program) teamed up with the Share the Stoke Foundation to create a surfing club for native kids living on a remote beach on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia known as Playa del Viento.  These children had never seen, much less practiced, surfing in their lives, even though they live steps away from surfing waves throughout the year.   The purpose of the club is to promote ocean conservation and surfing among children and young people in a region affected by ecological degradation and social problems.  This is an ecologically-rich region threatened by deforestation, overfishing, destruction of mangrove and coral reef habitats.  It is also affected by poverty, drug addiction and violence.   We address these problems by educating, training, empowering, organizing and creating opportunities for young people.  The results have been very positive.  We have an exciting group of kids who are learning to surf, protecting the ocean and becoming leaders in their communities. We would like to thank the following people and organizations for their help and support: • Share the Stoke Foundation for donating the surfboards, leashes, shirts, pads, and lessons. • Vidal Bautista • Institucion Educativa Playas del Viento • Teacher Cesar Nisperuza • Cabañas Bora-Bora • Nestor Martinez • Orlando Torres For more information and updates go to our bloghttp://oceanvida.blogspot.com/shapeimage_5_link_0