Whale watching fuels sustainable tourism in Colombia’s Pacific coast
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Residents of La Barra, a community in Colombia’s Uramba Bahía Málaga Natural Park, depend on humpback whales that migrate to the Pacific coast between July and September.
For years, the community maintained a close relationship with the whales, respecting their breeding season with rituals and avoiding boats that might disturb them. However, increasing tourism brought concerns about disrupting the whales’ full migratory patterns due to boat traffic.
The community of La Barra responded by implementing educational programs for visitors and training local boat operators to practice responsible whale watching. These efforts aim to balance economic benefits from tourism with the preservation of the natural environment. Yamile Perdomo Quintero of the Coordinator of the Bahía Buenaventura Bahía Málaga Management Unit supports this approach, emphasizing the need for development that benefits both communities and natural resources.
She and other leaders advocate for a harmonious relationship between economic growth, sustainability, and tourism in the region, believing equitable practices are essential for long-term success.
