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A unique
place

The lungs of the ocean:
a treasure between the sky and the sea
In the heart of the western Caribbean Sea lies the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, a group of islands, cays, and coral reefs spanning 232,300 hectares, which contains 77% of Colombia's coral reefs. It includes a 32-kilometer-long coral reef barrier surrounding Providencia Island, the second longest in the Caribbean.

Coral reefs rise as giants of life, growing on the shoulders of their ancestors. These structures, many formed centuries ago, are home to 59 coral species, 35 seabird species, and over 653 fish species. They also serve as a critical migratory route for sea turtles, whale sharks, and a vast diversity of marine life. This ecosystem is, at its core, a biodiversity jewel, essential for natural balance and for the communities that depend on it.

But reefs are more than just a natural environment. For the Raizal people who inhabit these islands, the sea is the fabric that weaves together generations, culture, and spirit. Corals, like their ancestors, protect and nourish the community, playing a fundamental role in their cosmogony. Reefs sustain island communities not only economically but also culturally and spiritually, connecting island life to the sea in a relationship of mutual respect. In Raizal beliefs, reefs are the “hearts of the sea,” holding the memory of those who have lived, sailed, and fished in these waters for generations.

This connection gained international recognition with the designation of the archipelago as the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in November 2020, acknowledging its unique biodiversity and cultural significance.

The inhabitants of the archipelago proposed the declaration of the Biosphere Reserve as a way to protect their territory and culture, thus achieving sustainable development. As a Biosphere Reserve, there is a commitment to protect the biological and cultural wealth and to promote sustainable development in a way that meets the needs of both the present and the future.

“The name of the project, ‘Our Reef,’ reflects this relationship. It is not simply ‘the reef,’ but ‘our reef’—the reef of the Raizal people, who have a deep sense of belonging to these spaces. For them, the sea is not just water; it is their ‘maritory’—an integral part of their identity and culture.”

Ana Isabel Márquez, Member of the Sea, Land & Culture Old Providence Initiative Foundation.

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