{"id":10939,"date":"2013-10-16T10:14:02","date_gmt":"2013-10-16T15:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/seecolombia.travel\/blog\/?p=10939"},"modified":"2016-05-04T11:20:01","modified_gmt":"2016-05-04T16:20:01","slug":"is-there-hope-for-the-future-of-choco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seecolombia.travel\/blog\/2013\/10\/is-there-hope-for-the-future-of-choco\/","title":{"rendered":"Is there hope for the future of Choc\u00f3?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choc\u00f3 is one of Colombia\u2019s most troubled regions. For decades, it has been enveloped in war, corruption and violence<\/strong>. Isolated from the rest of Colombia by thick, dense jungle and politically estranged thanks to Colombia’s armed conflict and high levels of corruption, it has long been cast off as an unsalvageable wasteland<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The future of Choc\u00f3 still remains uncertain, with many people claiming that the region is doomed to remain in the grips of poverty, isolation and destitution. True, there are higher than average levels of poverty and displacement in this region, but are there signs of hope for the future of Choc\u00f3?<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the face of it, it appears unlikely. Aside from massive levels of unemployment,<\/strong> Choc\u00f3 has its fair share of problems. According to independent studies, around 80% of people in Choc\u00f3 are not receiving basic necessities and human development indices rate this region as the most undeveloped in Colombia<\/strong>, with a level similar to that of Bolivia. On top of that, almost 10% of all of the displaced children in Colombia can be found in Choc\u00f3.<\/p>\n

\"Choco<\/a>
A stunning example of Choc\u00f3’s amazing wildlife<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yet it isn\u2019t all doom and gloom.<\/strong> While these problems present major challenges to the people and politicians of Choc\u00f3, there are perhaps some reasons to be hopeful. There is plenty of potential here, both in terms of resources and tourism.<\/p>\n

As one of the most biodiverse regions in Colombia,<\/strong> Choc\u00f3 has a spectacular amount to offer the tourist industry (so diverse is it that even the fruits are different \u2013 try a Chocoano lulo and you won\u2019t even recognise the colour or taste). The problem thus far has been that the reputation of the region has held off any mass tourism. Yet this does not have to be a hurdle that cannot be jumped. Take a look at Colombia in general<\/strong> \u2013 two decades ago, most people would not even have dreamed about taking a holiday here, but now it is one of the hottest destinations around. Is it not possible that the same could happen in Choc\u00f3?<\/p>\n

The jungle here is bursting with life<\/strong> and offers incredible opportunities for ecotourism on a grand scale. Furthermore, Choc\u00f3 is the only region in Colombia, and indeed the whole of South America, that has both a Pacific and a Caribbean coast.<\/strong> The potential for mass tourism is there, it just needs to be nurtured.<\/p>\n

Up until now, there has been very little investment in the region<\/strong>, as a result of both neglect and corruption. The infrastructure is basic and poorly maintained, while tourist services and amenities are underdeveloped. The roads in and around the capital, Quibd\u00f3, are largely rough dirt roads, while the<\/p>\n

\"Choco<\/a>
Just one of Choc\u00f3’s many awe-inspiring beaches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

majority of buildings appear to have been ignored for decades. However, this need not mean that it has to remain this way. With the massive potential<\/strong> that there is here, it is surely just a matter of time until investment increases (part of the problem is that the rainforest makes developing any form of infrastructure difficult, though not impossible).<\/p>\n

As and when this does happen, there is no doubt in my mind that the people of Choc\u00f3 will embrace tourists and tourism with open arms.<\/strong> In fact, they are some of the friendliest and most helpful people I have met in the whole of Colombia. And that really is saying something. It should be pointed out, however, that the need to increase tourism to the area should always go alongside efforts to protect the environment<\/strong> and avoid the destruction of precious ecosystems that would be major tourist draws.<\/p>\n

Add to this the superb richness of the Afro-Colombian culture<\/strong>, with its unique history, music and food, and you have yourself a stunningly beautiful and cultural tourist destination.<\/p>\n

\"Choco<\/a>
As good a place to laze around in a hammock as any…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As well as the potential for tourism, it should be recognised that Choc\u00f3 is incredibly well-endowed when it comes to natural resources<\/strong>. Of course, there is timber in abundance thanks to the jungle, although logging has previously been poorly controlled, leading to irresponsible deforestation. River and sea fishing is another major source of trade<\/strong> that needs to be regulated and promoted.<\/p>\n

Choc\u00f3 is one of the world capitals of platinum<\/strong> and there is plenty of gold, silver, limestone and copper too. With such an array of precious raw materials, Choc\u00f3 should be economically and socially much more advanced than it currently is. However, once again, these industries have been unregulated and victim to shocking amounts of corruption. It is clear that Choc\u00f3 needs to be helped<\/strong> in order to ensure that it receives the full benefits of its vast riches.<\/p>\n

However, despite the positive signs when it comes to primary industries, levels of industrial development in Choc\u00f3 are worse than anywhere else in Colombia. In fact, the region only accounts for 0.5% of Colombia\u2019s entire GDP. With almost half of Choc\u00f3\u2019s population being under 15<\/strong>, there is a huge workforce that, in a few years, can take on the challenge of developing the region\u2019s industry. Investment is key when it comes to Choc\u00f3, with a massive potential just waiting to be tapped.<\/p>\n

It is, however, the friendly and enterprising people<\/strong> that are Choc\u00f3\u2019s greatest resource. Happy, hopeful<\/p>\n

\"Choco<\/a>
Choc\u00f3 by night<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

and eager to make a change, the vast majority of Chocoanos are desperate to shake off the negative image<\/strong> and pull Choc\u00f3 into the future. Having recently attended the San Pacho Festival in Quibd\u00f3, I was blown away by the incredible spirit of determination and devotion<\/strong> that the festival brought out. The people here embody the amazing Colombian propensity to look forward rather than backward<\/strong>, to have hope, to be optimistic and to want to make positive changes.<\/p>\n

Yet these people are unable to do it on their own<\/strong>. Without the means, both politically and financially, there is little that the Chocoanos can do entirely by themselves. The responsibility rests in the hands of politicians and responsible investors, who have the power to promote and improve the region<\/strong> alongside the people that live here.<\/p>\n

\"Choco<\/a>
Stunning and peaceful accommodation in Choc\u00f3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Currently, there are a number of initiatives in operation that do offer hope for the people. Speaking with policemen on the streets of Quibd\u00f3, I learnt about numerous community projects<\/strong> that aim to improve the daily lives of citizens. \u2018Cine en tu barrio\u2019 offers locals the opportunity to watch films for free in their area, while other projects concentrate on helping to build houses for displaced people with no resources, offering courses in business and making attempts to clean up the streets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

These are of course humble beginnings, but alongside other initiatives, local and national government schemes and private investment, there is no limit to how far Choc\u00f3 can grow<\/strong>. All it takes is faith and confidence from those with the power to make a change and the rest will surely follow.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Choc\u00f3 is one of Colombia\u2019s most troubled regions. For decades, it has been enveloped in war, corruption and violence. Isolated from the rest of Colombia by thick, dense jungle and politically estranged thanks to Colombia’s armed conflict and high levels of corruption, it has long been cast off as an unsalvageable wasteland. The future of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":88891,"featured_media":3657,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[71,3,128,1255,626,4,70,112,66,92,75,131],"tags":[2909,2887,2910,2917,1955],"yoast_head":"\nIs there hope for the future of Choc\u00f3? - Colombia Travel Blog by See Colombia Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seecolombia.travel\/blog\/2013\/10\/is-there-hope-for-the-future-of-choco\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Is there hope for the future of Choc\u00f3?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Choc\u00f3 is one of Colombia\u2019s most troubled regions. 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