Colombian Pacific Region Research Articles

Illicit crops and glyphosate: A potential risk to the Euglossini Community and biodiversity in Tumaco - Choco biogeographic ecoregion

In Tumaco (Nariño-Colombia), the increase in coca cultivation and proposals like the national government (period 2018-2022) to fumigate with glyphosate for its eradication pose a risk to the euglossine bees. The limited information available on this tribe in Nariño presents an opportunity to document and protect them. The Euglossini community was identified and characterized in Maragricola-Tumaco, southwestern Colombia, within the province of Chocó biogeographic. Insect capture was conducted using bottle traps and attractants. Thirty euglossine males from three genera were recorded, with Euglossa hansoni, Exaerete frontalis, and Eulaema meriana representing the orchid bee community in this zone. Considering the importance of bees in ecosystem maintenance and the potential threat they face in the Colombian Pacific region, this report serves as a starting point for monitoring their populations. Government decisions regarding the management and eradication of illicit crops must also prioritize the protection of biodiversity within Colombia's territory.

Biological and Fishery Parameters of Jumbo Squid (Dosidicus gigas) in the Colombian Pacific, a Resource without Directed Fishing Exploitation

The distribution range of the jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) has increased over the past few decades; it is now found in the entire Eastern Pacific Ocean and is considered an important species in the small and large fisheries of Chile, Perú, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico but not in the Pacific region of Colombia. Three night-fishing campaigns were conducted over a year in the coastal Baudó-San Juan environmental unit, adjacent to the Bajo Baudó Encanto de Manglares Regional Integrated Management District in Chocó, at three locations 20 km, 35 km, and 45 km from the coastline to establish the availability and viability of jumbo squid as an alternative to the target species of artisanal fisheries in the Colombian Pacific. Night fishing sets were conducted at 60 m and 200 m depth at each sampling station to assess some of the biological parameters of the jumbo squid population (mantle length-ML, weight, growth and size at sexual maturity). Most catches were obtained in February and March. Growth was isometric, the average catch size was 24.3 cm ML, size at sexual maturity (L50) was 23.25 cm ML, estimated maximum size (L∞) was 39.9 cm ML, the growth constant (K) was 0.83, and mortality due to experimental fishing was 26 cm ML. According to our results, the jumbo squid fishery in the Colombian Pacific artisanal fishery would be viable during the first months of the year.

Meeting the challenges and strategies regarding malaria elimination: qualitative evaluation of perceptions from a local population in Colombia

“One Health” and “Social Determinants of Health” approaches are crucial for implementation of sustainable strategies for the control and elimination of infectious diseases such as malaria. These approaches highlight the importance of the social component in the design of elimination strategies, as well as the communities’ involvement in the implementation of these measures at local levels. Qualitative analysis approaches for malaria research can be useful for assessing population acceptance of intervention measures and for addressing negative perceptions that can threaten the success of control goals by undermining the community’s trust in interventions. In this paper, we explore some observations and interpretations from the qualitative content analysis of two open-ended questions about malaria, from a survey conducted between September and November 2016 in Guapi, a high risk transmission area in the Colombian Pacific Region. Using the spatial transmission unit concept for the analysis of the conditions and factors involved in malaria transmission under the “One Health” and “Social Determinants of Health” approaches, we reveal that responders’ perceptions reflects both the need and requirement for continuous assistance to solve local problems and also a comprehensive problem-solving effort by the government that includes basic sanitation. From the analyses, we present a graphic model that illustrates how to address the problem of malaria control and elimination from the perspectives of the community’s perceptions in Guapi, highlighting the need for joint efforts of community, academy, and government to achieve the goal of controlling and eliminating malaria in the region.

Integrating new variables into a framework to support cacao denomination of origin: a case study in Southwest Colombia.

Cocoa quality plays a pivotal role in establishing denominations of origin, with genotypes, geography, climate and soil conditions being key variables. However, these factors have not been comprehensively explored in defining cacao denominations of origin. The present study addresses this gap by laying the foundation for cacao denomination of origin, focusing on the Buenaventura region on Colombia's Pacific coast. Our goal is to provide a holistic understanding of the elements underpinning cacao denomination of origin, emphasizing Buenaventura's unique cocoa quality and geographical significance. Through the Buenaventura case, we propose a robust framework applicable to other cacao-producing regions, elevating the recognition and value of cacao denomination of origin. Our framework encompasses geography, agronomy, genetics, microbial diversity, pests and diseases and cocoa quality. In a pioneering move, we propose a cacao denomination of origin in Colombia, specifically examining Bajo Calima, Sabaletas and Cisneros within Buenaventura region. Buenaventura stands out for its cocoa quality, characterized by fruity flavors attributed to the rich biodiversity of the lowland rainforest. Our analysis indicates specific geographical indicators for each of the study zones, with Buenaventura identified as a region with natural characteristics to produce fine flavour cocoa products. Each zone exhibited a high differentiation and diversity of cacao cultivars. Buenaventura has the potential to be designated as a future denomination of origin for cacao from the Pacific region of Colombia, characterized by its unique fruity-aroma chocolates. Our framework is adaptable to other cacao-producing regions, facilitating the establishment of denominations of origin within the cocoa industry and agriculture. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Species Distribution Models as Tools for Community Empowerment and Informed Decision Making in Colombia’s Chocó Pacific Coast Fisheries

Changes in marine ecosystem dynamics have led to alterations in the availability of fish in established fishing grounds. Predictive models suggest their utility in understanding and predicting species distribution at varying depths and times of the year, significantly influencing regional fisheries management. Thus, access to information on oceanographic conditions, serving as a science-based decision-making support tool for artisanal fishers, has been identified as an adaptation strategy fostering social empowerment in the Colombian Pacific region. To address this need, an open-source WebGIS (geographic information system) was co-created to provide users with the results of species distribution models of marine fish species, aiming to expand knowledge of the ever-changing environment dynamics. The Chocó Artisanal Fishing Geovisor offers options for planning fishing operations and provides tools for understanding the results of species distribution models and resource management. By promoting informed decision making and community empowerment, it serves as a strategic response to marine environmental fluctuations, establishing itself as an essential tool for adapting to shifting marine conditions and ensuring food security.

High seropositivity against NDO-LID in a group of household contacts of leprosy patients. Are we close to leprosy elimination in Colombia?

ABSTRACT Introduction. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by two mycobacteria (Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis). The household contacts (HHC) of leprosy index cases are at higher risk of being infected with these mycobacteria. Therefore, serological testing in HHC would be an effective strategy to eliminate leprosy in Colombia. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and factors associated with the infection by M. leprae in HHC. Methods: An observational study was conducted in 428 HHC located in the Colombian Caribbean, Andean, Pacific, and Amazonian regions. We evaluated the seropositivity and titrations of IgM, IgG, and protein A against NDO-LID. Results: The evaluated HHC showed high seropositivity, precisely 36.9% anti-NDO-LID IgM, 28.3% anti-NDO-LID IgG, and 47.7% protein A. Furthermore, Protein A showed a greater capacity to detect infected individuals than other anti-NDO-LID conjugates (p < 0.0001). This study did not show differences in the seropositivity according to sex or age of the HHC (p > 0.05). Higher seropositivity for IgM was evidenced mainly in HHC located in the Colombian Pacific region (p 0.001). This research did not show differences in the seropositivity for these serological tests between HHC of PB or MB leprosy patients (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Leprosy transmission is still active between Colombian HHC. Consequently, controlling leprosy transmission in this population is fundamental to eradicating this disease.

One-year outcomes of two community-based mental health interventions for Afro-Colombian survivors of the armed conflict and displacement

ABSTRACT The objective of the study is to assess the middle-term effects (1 year after intervention) of two community-based mental health interventions, Common Elements Treatment Approach intervention, CETA, and Narrative Community Group Therapy intervention, NCGT, in two cities of the Colombian Pacific region (Buenaventura and Quibdó). A follow-up study was conducted on a cohort of trial participants. In this trial, the positive effects of two mental health interventions were evaluated; assessment was carried out in separate groups (CETA arm, NCGT arm and a control group) of the reduction of symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and function impaired mentality. The participants were Afro-Colombian survivors of the armed conflict and displacement living in Buenaventura and Quibdó. They were surveyed using the same instrument used in the original trial. Intent-to-treat analyses were performed, and longitudinal mixed-effects regression models with random effects were used to analyse the middle-term effects of the interventions. At 1-year post-intervention, participants in Buenaventura who received the CETA intervention experienced a decrease in depression (−0.23; p = 0.02), post-traumatic stress symptoms (−0.23; p = 0.02) and total mental health symptoms (−0.14; p = 0.048). In Quibdó, the NCGT intervention significantly improved function impairment (−0.30; p = 0.005). CETA and NCGT interventions have the potential to maintain a reduction of mental health symptoms in participants from the Colombian Pacific region.

Extreme Dry and Wet Events in the Pacific Region of Colombia estimated in the 21st Century Based on the Standardized Precipitation Index and CORDEX Climate Projections

The Pacific region of Colombia is known to be one of the most vulnerable to changes in precipitation patterns. A study was conducted using standardized precipitation index (SPI) analyses to understand the potential changes in precipitation in this region during the 21st century. The analyses were conducted using historical precipitation data from 1950 to 2005 and projected precipitation data from 2022 to 2100 under the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The results of the study showed that compared to historical data, SPI3 precipitation in this region is predicted to increase by 2040 under both climatic scenarios. However, in the 2041–2070 period, the region is expected to be wetter under RCP 8.5, although the difference between the two scenarios was not statistically significant. Similarly, SPI 6 precipitation is predicted to increase in the 2022–2040 and 2071–2100 periods under both scenarios. SPI 12 precipitation is also predicted to increase in the 2022–2040 period under RCP 4.5. In the 2041–2070 period, dryness is predicted to be more frequent under RCP 4.5, and wetness is predicted under RCP 8.5. The findings of this study can help in determining the most pertinent reference periods and computation time increments for evaluating the effects of future climate change on agricultural production and food security in the Pacific region of Colombia. It suggests that changes in precipitation patterns are likely to occur in the coming decades, which may significantly impact crop growth, water availability, and other aspects of agricultural production.

Variability of Precipitation Recycling and Moisture Sources over the Colombian Pacific Region: A Precipitationshed Approach

This study assessed the precipitation recycling and moisture sources in the Colombian Pacific region between 1980–2017, based on the monitoring of moisture in the atmosphere through the Eulerian Water Accounting Model-2 layer (WAM2 layer) and the delimitation of the area contributing to terrestrial and oceanic moisture in the region is performed using the “precipitationshed” approach. The results indicate a unimodal precipitation recycling ratio for the North and Central Pacific and Patía-Mira regions, with the highest percentages between March and April, reaching 30% and 34%, respectively, and the lowest between September and October (between 19% and 21%). Moreover, monthly changes in the circulation of the region promote a remarkable variability of the sources that contribute to the precipitation of the study area and the spatial dynamics of the precipitationshed. From December to April, the main contributions come from continental sources in eastern Colombia and Venezuela, the tropical North Atlantic, and the Caribbean Sea, a period of high activity of the Orinoco Low-Level jet. In September, the moisture source region is located over the Pacific Ocean, where a southwesterly cross-equatorial circulation predominates, converging in western Colombia, known as the Choco Jet (CJ), decreasing the continental contribution. An intensified Caribbean Low-Level Jet inhibits moisture sources from the north between June and August, strengthening a southerly cross-equatorial flow from the Amazon River basin and the southeastern tropical Pacific. The March–April (September–October) season of higher (lower) recycling of continental precipitation is related to the weakening (strengthening) of the CJ in the first (second) half of the year, which decreases (increases) the contribution of moisture from the Pacific Ocean to the region, increasing (decreasing) the influence of land-based sources in the study area.

Social inequalities in health: Analysis of the Colombian pacific region

Objetivo. Determinar las desigualdades sociales en salud entre los departamentos que componen la región pacífica colombiana. Materiales y Métodos. Estudio ecológico transversal con información retrospectiva a partir de los datos de Censo nacional de población y vivienda y nacimientos y defunciones para el 2018. Se seleccionó como variable estratificadora el índice de Necesidades Básicas Insatisfechas (NBI) y como variables de resultado la esperanza de vida, tasa de mortalidad infantil, tasa de mortalidad en menores de 5 años y la razón de mortalidad materna para cada uno de los departamentos de la región pacífica de Colombia. Se calcularon las brechas de desigualdad absoluta simple, relativa simple, índice de desigualdad de la pendiente y el índice relativo de desigualdad. Resultados. El NBI tiene consecuencias importantes para la esperanza de vida, tasa de mortalidad infantil, tasa de mortalidad en menores de 5 años y razón de mortalidad materna, las cuales son más marcadas en el departamento del Chocó. Contrariamente, el Valle del Cauca es el departamento de la región pacífica que exhibe el mejor comportamiento en los indicadores seleccionados. Conclusiones. Se requiere el diseño de intervenciones más complejas que tengan en cuenta las condiciones en las que viven las personas de la región pacífica, esto potencialmente puede mejorar los resultados en salud.

Effects of nutrient (N, P, K) fertilization on the dynamics of fine roots in tropical rain forests with different soil texture in the Colombian Pacific region

Introduction: Fine root dynamics include production, turnover and decomposition; they are crucial to forest health, affect the entire biogeochemical complex of the ecosystem, and consequently, they substantially affect carbon balance. However, the influence of environmental factors and soil nutrient limitation on fine roots presents considerable uncertainties and has not been studied in tropical forests with more than 7 000 mm annual rainfall. Objective: To measure the effect of fertilization on fine roots in the high precipitation Chocó forest. Methods: We worked in two sites of the Chocó region, Colombia (August 2014-May 2015), where rainfall exceeds 10 000 mm per year. We applied five fertilization treatments (N, P, K, NPK and Control) to two soil type plots. Soil cylinders were removed at pre-established intervals to measure roots. Results: Phosphorus applications increased fined roots; and more fine roots were produced in sandy than in loam soil. The effects of fertilization were related, but not clearly determined by edaphic conditions. Conclusions: In this Chocó forest, the production of fine roots was higher in sandy and nutrient-rich soils but belowground net primary productivity was limited by the content of edaphic Phosphorus.

Rediscovery of Bauhinia conceptionis (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae), a rare and endemic species of Colombian legume from Chocó - Colombia, after eighty years

During a series of botanical fieldtrips in the rural areas of the municipality of Quibdó in the Pacific region of Colombia, between 2017 and 2018, a very small population of Bauhinia conceptionis Britton &amp; Killip (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) was detected. Bauhinia conceptionis, a rare and endemic species of Colombian legume was described based on specimens collected by W. A. Archer in 1931. Since then, the species has not been recorded again. Bauhinia conceptionis is distinguished from other Colombian species of Bauhinia by the following combination of characters: leaves suborbicular and bilobed for less than 1/5 their length, leaf base cordate and apical lobe rounded, stigma oblique – capitate, bud up to 5.5 cm long, and distribution restricted to the Chocó area. The stigma, anther and fruits are described for the first time, since the original description. We report the rediscovery of this species in its natural habitat, surroundings of La Concepcion River, area municipality of Quibdó, in a disturbed area of tropical rainforest subject to strong anthropogenic pressures including illegal logging; additionally, new taxonomic information of this specie is provided.

Marginal cities in conflict: emerging geographies of spatial accumulation

This paper discusses how marginal cities surrounded by rich hinterlands in geographies of conflict display city-building processes that transform them into emergent geographies of spatial accumulation. Embracing recent debates on geographies of accumulation in the global South, this paper reveals three interrelated strategies that shape capitalist urbanisation in marginal cities of conflict. The empirical findings of a case study in the Colombian Pacific region indicate that: 1) extractive economies supported by national neoliberal policies nurture weak governance, as reflected in city-building processes that increase sociospatial segregation; 2) the circulation of illegal capital within status quo spatial politics seems to result in rapid urban transformations via land use changes; and 3) spatial accumulation in marginal urban settlements conceals processes of systematic social injustice through euphemisms of economic development. This paper contributes to new conceptualisations derived from an analysis of spatial transformations in marginal(ised) cities under geopolitical economies of violence. Published open access under a CC BY licence. https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/

Decentralizing the Governance of Inland Fisheries in the Pacific Region of Colombia

In 1993, Colombia launched a decentralization process granting Black communities collective property rights over territories they had inhabited for centuries. Decentralization was intended to promote inclusive governance, enhance environmental governance in Black communities’ territories, and reduce poverty. This paper presents a qualitative case study of decentralized inland fisheries governance in the country’s largest Community Council. Our results suggest that decentralization policies need to account for particularities of resource systems and community dynamics. Inland fisheries governance poses specific challenges for decentralization because a) ecological dynamics supporting the resource system take place beyond the administrative boundaries of fisheries; b) rivers are public goods in Colombia, and therefore it is impossible to exclude users from accessing them; and c) regulations are not well-enforced in places where fish are sold. This calls for a combined effort from stakeholders with different rights, duties, and capacities within the governance system to coordinate actions for enforcing regulations.

A human health risk assessment of methylmercury, arsenic and metals in a tropical river basin impacted by gold mining in the Colombian Pacific region

The Atrato River basin is one of the most biodiverse areas worldwide, and paradoxically, it is one of the sites in Colombia with the highest environmental impact from gold mining. This study assessed the distribution of Hg, As, Pb, and Cd in 47 fish species (n = 1372) and the accumulative human health risk in inhabitants (n = 2325) from 13 municipalities located along the Atrato River basin. The results revealed that Hg and As in fish present a high potential human health risk based on their mean concentrations. Estimated daily intake (EDI) calculations showed that humans could present detrimental health effects, while that target hazard quotient (THQ) above 1 showed that the exposed population might experience noncarcinogenic health risks, mainly from the accumulative effects of Hg (80.4%) and As (18.2%). The species that would most affect the health of the inhabitants are carnivorous H. malabaricus, A. pardalis, P. schultzi, R. quelen, and C. kraussii, which are among the fourteen most consumed in the region. These species had values of estimated weekly intake (EWI) above the provisional tolerable weekly intake thresholds for MeHg (PTWI of 1.6 and 3.2 μg/kg bw/week for adults and children, respectively) in 7 of the 13 localities evaluated. According to the surveys, the calculated weekly allowable fish amount (MFW) showed that carnivorous fish may generate adverse effects on the consumers because the allowed MeHg is about 2 times higher than the upper reference limit. Other results indicate a significant carcinogenic health risk, mainly from As, in 8 of the 13 localities evaluated. Due to the high rates of unsatisfied basic needs and the monetary poverty in the region, the possibility that inhabitants can replace fish as the principal source of protein is low. Therefore, a food guidance is required to avoid risks, obtain nutritional benefits, and sustain fish populations.

Plant spacing assessment in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) agroforestry systems in the Colombian Pacific region

Cocoa beans produced in the municipality of Tumaco (Colombia) are very attractive for chocolate producers and consumers because of their fine and aromatic characteristics. However, optimal plant spacing that could improve income for cocoa farmers is uncertain. To address the problem, this study was carried out from 2016 to 2017 taking into account two phases. In the first phase, a characterization of the cocoa production system in the Colombian Pacific region was conducted. This characterization included plant spacing, cocoa-associated species, production costs, financial sources, and system yields. In the second phase, an analysis of optimal plant spacing was conducted using the results from the characterization phase. Thus, a linear programming model was developed that utilizes the three plant densities most used by producers (3x3 m, 3.5x3.5 m, and 4x4 m). Labor force, monthly bank fees, and minimum farmer income were considered as constraints of the model. Profitability was established as the objective function. This model was optimized with GAMS software, using the CPlex solver. Plant spacing of 4x4 m (625 plants ha-1) was found to be the optimal solution that maximized profitability. The minimum cocoa bean price required for this solution was 5,000 Colombian pesos kg-1 and the rural capitalization incentive (RCI) needed to be greater than or equal to 40%.

Dimensions of local development in the Colombian Pacific Region

AbstractThis paper aims to analyze the potential municipal development for the Pacific Region of Colombia. To evaluate the Colombian municipalities’ capacity to target the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a multidimensional evaluation framework has been developed for choosing relevant indicators for the evaluation of sustainable development aspects. We use multivariate analysis and spatial analysis to calculate the Local Development Potential Index and identify typologies and clusters of municipalities. This index comparatively evaluates sustainable development levels in the 178 municipalities in four Colombian departments: Chocó, Nariño, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca. The results of our index allow civil society and policymakers to acknowledge the existence of common regional potentialities to generate collaborative initiatives and share experiences to improve their development.

A fresh look at Cosmetus Perty, 1833 (Opiliones: Cosmetidae), with new synonymies and description of two new species from Colombia.

Cosmetus Perty, 1833 is the type genus of the most diverse subfamily of Laniatores, Cosmetinae. The genus currently includes 22 valid species with a disconnected distribution, including coastal forests of NE Brazil, dry forests of the Ecuadorian Pacific, Choc-Darien moist forests and the Venezuelan Andes. The morphology among species in the genus is quite variable, but they share almost exclusively the fused spine in area III. The type species Cosmetus varius is little known due to few, poor quality illustrations, a vague type locality, and lost type material, and was misidentified by Koch in 1840, making it difficult to define or even taxonomically revise the genus. Herein we: (1) provide distribution maps for nominal Cosmetus species; (2) recognize the poorly defined type species C. varius as a species occurring in central-eastern Bahia, agreeing with the itinerary of Spix and von Martius; (3) synonymize three other species from central-eastern Bahia with C. varius; (4) provide images of the external morphology of three Brazilian species of the genus; and (5) describe two new sympatric species from the Colombian Pacific region (Choc-Darien moist forest), thus representing the first report of the genus for the country. Both Colombian species, Cosmetus acanti sp. nov. and Cosmetus villarreali sp. nov., have similar external morphology but are remarkably different in genital morphology. Morphological evidence indicates that Cosmetus may be an artificial group. However, given the chaotic taxonomy of the family Cosmetidae, and the deep intertwining of nomenclature, we do not know at the moment where each of those species should be classified.

Telmatometropsis fredyi gen. nov., sp. nov.: a new water strider from the Colombian Pacific region (Insecta, Hemiptera, Gerridae)

A new genus of Gerridae (Insecta, Hemiptera, Heteroptera) in the subfamily Trepobatinae, Telmatometropsisgen. nov., with a single included species, T. fredyisp. nov., is described from the Colombian Pacific region. Representatives of the new genus were collected in mangrove lagoons of Buenaventura Bay, Valle del Cauca Department. The new genus can be diagnosed by the relative proportions of the antennomeres, the shape of the male fore tarsus, and by the black markings on the head, thorax and abdomen.

Desenvolvimento social, um fator de atenuação do crime na região do Pacífico colombiano

Introduction: The Colombian Pacific region is a conflicto zone between the ilegal smuggling of drug trafficking and the coexistence of armed groups outside the law. To date, the State has promoted in its security policy a development of military and police actions to confront this criminal phenomenon and including an anti-drug policy on its agenda. However, when it comes to the region, underdevelopment is prevalent and the ways to enact overcoming it have not been effective. Objective: This is how it can be seen that, since there is social development, one can think of prohibitionist or legalistic ways of drugs, the result of which will be influenced by the possibility of deciding between legality or illegality, given the existence of opportunities resulting from regional integration. In this way, it will be possible to pass from military control to institutional control of the territory. Methodology: This descriptive and qualitative research is to be able to understand that the problems that circulate in the Pacific region are not only about an application of force to return security to the territory, but also about the need for comprehensive solutions with social factor that returns that fabric to national belonging with a view to development. Conclusions and results: In this sense, it is possible to perceive that the lack of opportunities in a depressed social environment requires special attention from the government to base a change in the culture of illegality as a measure of hope and social recovery.