Collecting Pianguas in Colombian Pacific

Pianguas, a type of saltwater clam that lives buried within the roots of mangrove trees in the Pacific region of Colombia, are known for their unique flavour. They are used in a variety of traditional recipes, such as ceviche, coconut stews and rice dishes. They are considered a delicacy in the region and prized by the rest of Colombia. Nothing goes to waste: even the shells are turned into crafts.

But reaching the pianguas is no easy endeavour. Magnolia Ordoñez, her husband, – the captain- and her colleagues  – all women -know this as they leave in a small boat at the crack of dawn to find and collect pianguas. When they found the right place to anchor, which is always a different spot from their last harvest, to ensure sustainability, Magnolia jumped overboard, climbed a wall of mud and walked as far as possible into the mangrove forest, jumping and weaving through long roots. She lit incense to ward off mosquitoes and took a moment to sing to the mangroves, thanking them for the food they provided. Then, she waded through the mud, sometimes reaching above her knees, to carefully dig up the clams. With each piangua Magnolia unearthed, she checked its size and took only the mature ones. This labour-intensive process was a race against the rising tide. After hours of strenuous harvest, she returned to shore. It was time to clean the clams, save some for the market and hand the rest to her sisters in the kitchen.

Once the cooks were done, the dishes were served in communal restaurants, forming a chain of work reinforced by women, who are part of the association Raíces del Manglar (Roots of the Mangrove). All are victims of the conflict that affected Colombia for over 50 years.

“The sea and the mangroves are our life. They feed us, and we must take care of them because they take care of us. We are all connected to them and their creatures,” Magnolia said. Her association is one of the 40 green businesses and initiatives that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia and partners support through the Pacífico Biocultural project, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project works to conserve the unique biodiversity and practices in the Colombian Pacific region by empowering local communities and supporting environmental governance in protected areas.

Through restoration, training and capacity building initiatives, resource provision and knowledge sharing, FAO and its partners protect the environment and build resilient livelihoods, recognizing the deep connection between nature and culture in the Colombian Pacific. The connection is especially vibrant on the Colombian Pacific coast. Emerald rainforests meet black sand beaches, and the sky and sea teem with life, from majestic birds to vibrant estuaries. Intricate mangrove labyrinths around small islands shelter not only pianguas but diverse species of commercially and nutritionally important food sources, such as fish, crabs and other molluscs.

Beyond its beauty, this wild coast plays a crucial role in fighting climate change. Vast forests and mangroves capture carbon and protect coastlines from eroding into the sea. It’s also a region of remarkable cultural heritage, home to Afro-descendants and Indigenous Peoples communities whose traditions reflect a deep connection to the land. Yet, these communities face persistent challenges from poverty, conflict and illegal activities, all of which threaten their ways of life and the health of the ecosystem.

“Afro-descendants, Indigenous Peoples and rural communities are working actively with us to protect and restore the environment and strengthen local governance,” explained Feder Angulo, FAO project facilitator in Nariño, Colombia. “This work is critical for building peace, a core principle of the project. Peace is more than just laying down arms. Peace means people feeling safe, secure and able to build a better life.”

Giving back to the mangroves

Spearheaded by the Communal Council of Bajo Mira and Frontera and the Community Resguardo El Gran Sábalo, the project is supporting these communities to restore over 240 hectares of forests, notably mangroves.

They are taking a stand against a shared challenge: the loss of mangroves. Years of exploitation and the increasing impact of climate change are degrading their vital coastal guardians. The Pacífico Biocultural project is supporting them to raise awareness of these threats and offer capacity-building training and incentives for replanting activities.

“It is the start of a great, self-driven process to restore mangroves using native species. The red mangrove, the nato mangrove (mora oleifera), contributes to food security, income generation and conservation of life,” Angulo said.

These are species that have been recognized for being more tolerant of both flooding and salinity variation, making them a vital tool in climate adaptation too.

“Restoration greatly benefits our community. Forests have been cut down, and the animals and our livelihoods have diminished. We can’t find pianguas like in the old days anymore,” Pamela Quiñones explained. “The bigger the mangroves, the better they serve as a shield. They prevent the water from taking away our home.”

Peace through green businesses

The Pacífico Biocultural project also supports communities in building peace through green businesses and sustainable endeavours, like birdwatching and nature tourism. The Bird-Mi birdwatching corridor connects six communities stretching from the foothills of the Andes to the Tumaco coast.

Within this corridor, the Awá Indigenous Peoples in Community Resguardo El Gran Sábalo are strengthening environmental monitoring and have opened “La Nutria” nature reserve. Over 420 bird species attract visitors and bird enthusiasts, and this success of the reserve reinforces the corridor’s rich biodiversity.

Nearby, the multi-ethnic community of El Pinde is comprised mostly of single mothers who lost their partners to the conflict. Residents are restoring the riverbanks and its natural trails to attract a variety of wildlife and enhance the Bird-Mi corridor.

Their restoration provides alternative livelihoods and promotes peacebuilding through community-based nature tourism.

Meanwhile, at the Procacao Tumatay green business, former coca grounds that fostered illicit activities are being transformed into cacao fields that nurture agricultural livelihoods. Farmers grow cacao and scale up the value chain by processing and marketing high-quality chocolate products.

All these initiatives, which have received capacity-building training and administrative and financial support from the Pacífico Biocultural project, are empowering communities, fostering peace and building economic stability for a better future, for the region and the planet.

Source: The FAO News and Media Office, Rome

– global bihari bureau