Project:
Environmental Watchers – Comuna 9
Date:
Location:
Status:
Objectives:
Conduct a rigorous environmental oversight exercise on the provision of cleaning services (schedules, frequencies and efficiency) by the company Pazcifico Limpio SAS ESP, guaranteeing the community’s right to a healthy environment through active citizen monitoring.
Description:
This process originated within the framework of the national program #AlertaPorMiAmbiente (Alert for My Environment), promoted by the Ministry of Environment and the National Forum for Colombia. Led by the Women Heads of Household Foundation (FUNDAJEFEHOGAR), the project transformed citizens and leaders of Community Action Boards into Environmental Stewards.
Through a digital monitoring network and real-time reporting, the community went from being a passive observer to a key player in overseeing their environment, using legal and methodological tools to document the actual state of waste management.
Process Timeline
- Start of operations:August 8, 2025 (Virtual Network Activation).
- Field Phase Closure:October 15, 2025 (Final Dialogue Meeting).
- Legal Action:November 18, 2025 (Filing of the Petition).
Location and Scope
- District:Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca.
- Territory:Commune 9 (Monitored Neighborhoods: San Buenaventura, 6 de Enero, Los Manglares, Margarita Hurtado, among others) others).
The Great Discovery (Summary of Results)
What began as oversight of the service operator revealed a deeper reality:
- Watchdog Effect:The mere presence of the Watchdogs ensured that the company rigorously adhered to its routes.
- Civic Culture:It was identified that the main cause of the pollution hotspots is the non-compliance with schedules by some residents.
- Towards Sanction:The project escalated from awareness-raising to legal action, filing a Petition to compel the Environmental Police to enforce the National Code of Security and Coexistence (Law 1801).
