A unique lagoon Eco-park in Colombia north of Barranquilla surprises with its biodiversity. Four of the five species of mangroves live here in the wetlands where the Magdalena River flows into the sea.
Unfortunately, the fragile environment was affected by the construction of the Bocas de Ceniza canal almost 100 years ago and pollution from rapidly growing neighboring cities. All of this has led to the erosion of the fragile mangrove forest and endangered the existence of its diverse inhabitants. The foundational eco-park Ciénaga de Mallorquín on the Caribbean coast has been in the works for a decade.
Francisco Ricardo (from DEB in Barranquilla) and Giancarlo Mazzanti (from Equipo Mazzanti in Bogota) had the difficult task of finding a solution that would be mutually beneficial for both the ecosystem and the city's inhabitants. The team developed a master plan in seven stages for the 650-hectare area, including 10 km of boardwalks to connect the eco-park and the city. The choice fell on yellow pine because of its elasticity and strength. The first two phases of construction, costing $32 million, were completed late last year and cover 4.4 kilometers of track.
Some of the boardwalk is laid on top of existing trails made by local fishermen, and the parts that cross the water are based on the root structure of the mangrove forest. “We connect and help preserve the unique landscape of river, lake and sea through a precise system of paths,” says Mazzanti, “so that we can show all Colombians—and the world—the beautiful nature.”
The next phase of construction is now underway, which includes widening the park's shoreline walkway, as well as reviving an abandoned train line that will transport visitors to the beach. The expected completion of the project is 2030.
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