Past Projects
WASTE MANAGEMENT - MINCA LIMPIA
WHY ?
The presence of waste and hazardous materials in natural areas and water sources have negative effects on the local biodiversity
The lack of infrastructure; such as public bins for the waste generated in town
The lack of any system of solid waste management and classification, leads to the accumulation of excessive trash in public areas, where abandoned animals (like dogs and donkeys) rip open the plastic bags looking for food
The negative impacts on local tourism development due to the accumulation of trash in tourism sites
The negative effects on human health; such as diseases generated by the irresponsible disposal of plastic
OUR GOALS
Reduce the amount of waste generated in Minca and give value to the waste generated by local businesses and institutions
Collect and ensure the correct disposal of hazardous materials; such as batteries and used vegetable oil
Promote the management and selective disposal of solid waste through the implementation of tools, infraestructure and awareness-raising.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
We implemented a test collection center, classified and transported more than 2.5 tons of recycled material.
Alliances with the association of recyclers in Santa Marta and with Recopila for proper disposal of batteries
We have organized several community workshops on sustainable practices, such as waste management
We have carried out more than 15 community cleanups with local residents and the police in Minca
We have developed educational campaigns for children and young people using art as a pedagogical tool and waste as primary material.
We have involved public institutions, such as the police and the local school and more than 14 local companies
We have installed a pilot clean point for the selective collection of waste
We currently collect used cooking oil in Minca
Environment project : " Minca Limpia "
In January 2015, we launched a project for a collection point for the selective sorting of waste in Minca. After implementing the selective collection route supported by the mayor's office, we closed the collection center to strengthen awareness processes with the participation of some local companies, institutions, residents and visitors.
We are currently working to seek funding for our project, which seeks to reduce the amount of waste by selectively sorting and reducing single-use plastics and valuing the waste generated.
Through the implementation of a project of selective management of organic waste for Minca, we seek to value the waste and reduce by at least 50% the waste generated.
We propose a collaborative plan with various local partners where we base ourselves on the strategy of the three Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) while generating raw materials usable for agriculture.
At this time, we are looking for allies and sponsors who want to partner and collaborate with us to solve one of the biggest problems facing Minca and the Sierra Nevada: optimal waste management.
If you are interested in participating, please email us at proyectos@misiongaia.org
FAIR & LOCAL TRADE
Misión Gaia promotes the commercialization of organic and natural products made by local producers from the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. We want to inform visitors about their power to make a difference by purchasing fair and local trade as an ecologic and economic alternative.
WHY ?
Local producers struggle to compete with the bigger industries
There are many small producers in the region; covering almost all needs from food to garments
As natural resources are growing scarce, it is important to raise awareness about the benefits of environmentally friendly behavior and consumption habits
Adopting a more natural lifestyle is more than a trend but a real sustainable act: consuming organic and natural products encourages the alternative economy and helps to preserve the planet
OUR GOALS
Help develop the local economy by collaborating with more producers of Minca and other villages in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta
Inform visitors about the importance of buying local and organic products
WHAT WE DO
Collaborate with local producers and connect them with residents of Minca, local visitors and foreigners
Manage a small shop that provides local, natural and organic products
Raise awareness among visitors about how they support our different programs of sustainable development and education, but also the local economy by shopping with us
MANGO JAM
The Mango Jam began in 2014 as an initiative of Intermundos a local NGO. It is defined as an innovation laboratory to take advantage of the abundance of the mango, by transforming it into non-perishable products, generating a source of income for the women of the communities where the project is developed. The project is developed annually during the mango harvest, covering socioeconomic problems in the Minca - Palomino - Guachaca - Don Diego - Santa Rita de la Sierra circuit, areas of great biological and cultural importance that were seriously affected by violence during the nineties and two thousand.
The Mango Jam began in 2014 as an initiative of Intermundos a local NGO. It is defined as an innovation laboratory to take advantage of the abundance of the mango, by transforming it into non-perishable products, generating a source of income for the women of the communities where the project is developed. The project is developed annually during the mango harvest, covering socioeconomic problems in the Minca - Palomino - Guachaca - Don Diego - Santa Rita de la Sierra circuit, areas of great biological and cultural importance that were seriously affected by violence during the nineties and two thousand.
Goals
To standardize the production processes of mango pulp and others elaborated in the Mango Jam, to homogenize the production regardless of the place where the fruit is processed and to maintain the quality of the product.
Produce mango pulp in Minca, Palomino and Guachaca, involving interested people who have participated in previous years and who have kitchens available and suitable for production.
To design strategies and create alliances for the long-term financing of the project, including the marketing and commercialization of the final processed products, so that they benefit economically the people involved in the project, and thus promote the circular economy by integrating local businesses and positioning the Mango Jam brand at the regional level.
