Marcus Aurelius
Guio Ledesma.
By Marco Aurelio Guio Ledesma.
With the announcements of the national government, in the visit to Istmina and Quibdó, for the first time a President of the Republic presents an interesting Development proposal, with the use of the territory for a megaproject of global interest, which would make up for the current and future shortcomings of the Panama Canal, through the union of the Pacific and Atlantic seas by the Chocó, through a canal, whether dry or river, that would transform the social, economic and environmental reality of our department.
Those who know a planning process know that certain phases must be followed, starting with WHAT (definition of objectives), HOW (propose strategies) WITH WHAT (what are the financial resources and personnel) FOR WHOM (identify the beneficiaries of the project), TIME (how long the activity will last), finally, the EVALUATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM (process and results indicators).
To carry out a project of this level, it is necessary to give institutionality to the proposal, with the creation of a high-level Board of Directors, which could be attached to the Vice Presidency of the Republic, who directs it, with the participation among others from the Ministries of Infrastructure, Environment, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Science and Technology, Agriculture, the National Planning Department, the Government of Chocó and some delegates – among others – from the mayors’ offices, community councils and indigenous reservations.
To energize this structure, it would be necessary to have a small work team, made up of a secretariat with experts on the subject, who would be in charge of preparing the essential documents (terms of reference and existing regional information) to begin the technical studies phase. through national or international consulting.
In parallel to this dynamic, the chocó must prepare to debate and contribute to this process, since the very antagonistic visions of development that appear between the different actors constitute a barrier to overcome, which often serve as a pretext. so that the national government does nothing for the land.
With the preparation of the departmental development plan, it would be an important input to build consensus on the activities to be privileged, which due to its characteristics of a “MOTIVE INDUSTRY” I dare to suggest that tourism in all its dimensions, as the strategic variable to start the economic takeoff of the region.
I have a dream of seeing Chocó integrated into national and international tourism circuits, taking advantage of its biodiverse wealth, its landscapes and cultural attractions, such as the San Francisco festival, sold in packages that include a visit to Tutunendo or the rivers. Negua, Bebará, Bebaramá, since for Nuqui, Bahía Solano, and Acandí, they are already sold nationally and internationally.
Tourism generates mobility effects towards other economic sectors, such as residences, restaurants, transportation and everything that is needed to serve the guest in adequate conditions, just as the state must guarantee essential public services, drinking water, energy, connectivity in all its aspects.
Finally, I appreciate the clarity in the Governor’s approaches, and her synchronicity with the President, which can be taken advantage of in the remainder of the period to specify the proposals and thus be able to say, Chocó, the time has come for your redemption.
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