Aquifer Recharge and Recovery: A Commitment to Banana Sustainability in Magdalena, Colombia
The Netherlands and its partners launch an innovative project to strengthen water security in the region and ensure the future of the banana sector.
The banana production is facing various sustainability challenges. In Colombia’s Magdalena department, the banana industry is affected by issues related to water irrigation and soil salinization. The availability of fresh irrigation water is limited, and the irrigation systems are underdeveloped. In addition, soil salinization is threatening the sector. These challenges are a significant risk to farmers, potentially leading to economic instability and even forcing them to abandon their land due to declining soil quality. To ensure a future-proof banana supply from this region, it is essential to introduce new water management technologies to address these challenges.
The Netherlands is taking steps to improve the irrigation water shortage in the Magdalena department. It is co-financing the International Cooperation Project for Aquifer Recharge and Recovery, which aims to strengthen long-term water security in the Sevilla and Frío river basins in the Magdalena department. Artificial Aquifer Recharge (AAR) is a technique for storing water underground to increase groundwater levels. During periods of heavy rainfall, water can be stored underground and used later when irrigation is needed. This optimizes water resource use.
The project is expected to enhance water availability in the region and make banana and plantain production more sustainable. This initiative is the first pilot of the Recar-BA project for aquifer recharge and recovery in Colombia, led by CI Banasan. It is expected to serve as a model for other water management strategies in Colombia and benefit other water-intensive industries. The pilot plan, set to run for two years, aims to optimize water use on banana farms in the region, with estimated savings of 15% to 20%. To achieve this, state-of-the-art aquifer management technology will be implemented, supported by the expertise of international institutions such as Deltares and KWR, both leading research centers in hydrogeology. Additionally, the project has the backing of key local stakeholders, including the Fundación Herencia Ambiental Caribe, Corpamag, and the Irrigation Districts, who will contribute to its implementation and adaptation to local conditions.
In May, our ambassador Reina Buijs visited IC Banasan, a company specializing in sustainability in the banana and plantain sector and the executor of the water management project. During the visit, the ambassador toured the water management project and observed the positive impact the project is having on the banana sector, as well as the ongoing challenges banana producers continue to face.
At the same time, the ASBAMA Colombian Banana Congress took place, which the ambassador also attended. The congress brought together key players in the banana sector to discuss important topics such as technological innovation, plant health, biotechnology, sustainability, logistics, and the political and economic context. It opened doors for stakeholders to collaborate on overcoming challenges in the banana sector.
The Netherlands' participation in this water management project reflects its commitment to agricultural sustainability and water security in Colombia. Through technical and scientific cooperation, this initiative is expected to serve as a model for future water management strategies in the country, benefiting not only the banana sector but also other industries that depend on water resources for their operations.
More information
If you would like to know more or want to get in touch with the Agricultural & Biodiversity team, please contact us on bog-lvvn@minbuza.nl (for Colombia and Ecuador) or lim-lvvn@minbuza.nl (for Peru).
For more general information, you can visit the home page of Agroberichtenbuitenland.nl.