Applied scientific research in the field. Univalle News Agency
In an effort to reimagine the geographical valley of the Cauca River, beyond the logics of sugarcane agribusiness and excessive urbanization, social organizations and academia converge to promote ecosystem conservation and the sovereignty of life.
This initiative is led by the Network of Transitioners for the Geographical Valley of the Cauca River (TVGRC), through the project «Designing Fair Regional Systemic Transitions in Times of Social and Climate Emergency in the south of the upper Cauca River valley,» as stated by María Campo, general coordinator of TVGRC and a member of the Casa Cultural El Chontaduro Association.
The project brings together 22 transformative alternatives, grouped into three key nodes: Suárez and Villa Rica (in the Cauca department) and the east of Cali.
Concrete actions are also being carried out, such as the development of the «Pluriversal Territorial Peace Diagnosis,» «Guidelines for the Design of Transitions,» and the development of a transmedia universe, which includes the website unriocauca.com and social media profiles, among others.
One of the central axes of this convergence is the «Agropalenke: sovereignty of life» project.
Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this ecosystem. The University of Valle and the Biodiversity Circuit
Visitors toured the dry forest restoration area at the Experimental Biology Station.
In this context of articulation of knowledge and struggles for life, the visit of these collectives to the University of Valle stands out. They came to see the patch of Dry Forest that is under care and preservation through initiatives implemented over the years, such as the participatory restoration workshops held semi-annually at the Experimental Biology Station of the Meléndez University Campus.
The institution, through its Various Services and Environmental Management section, also offers the university community and the external public the Biodiversity Circuit: a formative experience designed to strengthen environmental awareness and recognize the deep connection between the body and the territory.
The alternatives are collectives and organizations that seek to challenge hegemonic systems such as capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, classism, capacitism, and sexism, based on situated practices and knowledges.
Along the same lines, the «One Cauca River, many worlds» campaign is being carried out, through which new narratives are being created aimed at caring for life in all its manifestations—ecosystems, peoples, animals, plants, waters, and climate—seeking the reimagination of the geographical valley of the Cauca River.
Its main objective is to strengthen the recognition of the Meléndez campus, offering spaces for dialogue and collective reflection on the sociocultural, environmental, and political implications of the territory.
This project seeks to articulate the conservation of the Tropical Dry Forest, a strategic ecosystem of which only about 2% remains in the region, with the implementation of an agri-food corridor that incorporates complementary conservation strategies such as the traditional farm in Villa Rica and Suárez, an edible forest in the east of the city of Cali, and a whole network of gardens and rooftops that exist in the south of the upper Cauca River valley.
It was an immersive experience that allowed them to delve into a small portion of that forest they want to recover in their territories.
The activity concluded with the practice of social cartography at the Waste Classification and Storage Station (ECA), an example of waste management on campus, where around 95 tons of recyclable waste are recovered annually.
The emphasis on the conservation of the Tropical Dry Forest and the practice of social cartography, fundamental axes in the Biodiversity Circuit developed at the University of Valle, are directly aligned with the exercises of critical cartography and co-territorial design promoted by the people who make up the visiting projects and collectives, demonstrating a fundamental encounter of academic and community knowledge for the construction of a more sustainable Cauca Valley.
This tour is guided by professionals from various fields, from biology and engineering to social work and history.
During the tour, visitors explored areas such as the University Botanical Garden and the Experimental Biology Station, key spaces that reflect the University's commitment to sustainability and conservation.
This process includes exercises in critical cartography and co-territorial design, led by the Collaboratory of the same name.
