GESAMPA's Community-Driven Waste Management

About

GESAMPA is a community-driven initiative based in Buenaventura, Colombia, which addresses environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges through innovative waste management and ecosystem restoration. Founded in 2017, GESAMPA focuses on creating a holistic approach to sustainability by integrating waste collection and recycling with economic opportunities for local communities. The organization operates a facility that processes various materials like cardboard, aluminum, and plastics, employing local residents and supporting hundreds of families involved in waste collection activities. GESAMPA's programs include community engagement initiatives such as the Don Trueque Store, which exchanges food for recyclable waste, and the Ecogol football tournament, where teams pay entry fees with collected plastic waste. Additionally, the Guardians of the Mangrove program empowers women to restore mangrove ecosystems while generating income. By combining waste management with ecosystem restoration, GESAMPA provides a replicable model for sustainable community development, enhancing biodiversity and urban resilience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.