Yarima Yariza
Fellowship Report 2024: Art, tradition and environmental sustainability: Re-Cuerdos
During the summer of 2024 I traveled to La Belleza, Santander, located 250 kilometers from the Colombian capital city. During my 9 day stay at the Ama-Gi, an eco farm dedicated to environmental sustainability and the guardianship of native seeds, I immersed myself in a series of workshops and hiking adventures to learn about the local fauna and flora, the sustainability initiatives led by the Rojas family, and my ancestral history rooted in this region.
Description of the short and long-term effects of the experience in my practice
During my visit to the Ama-Gi eco-farm in La Belleza, Santander, I participated in a range of hands-on workshops
and immersive activities designed to teach the principles of permaculture and sustainable living. I learned about
building dry bathrooms, creating edible forests, and harvesting native seeds—each workshop highlighting the
importance of designing self-sustaining systems. Additionally, I explored local biodiversity through a bird-watching workshop and hikes to natural sites like Alto de Florián, Ventanas de Tisquizoque, and the Serranía de Las Quinchas. These hikes offered me a chance to appreciate the rich landscapes and better understand the ecological relationships essential to the local environment.
One of my biggest takeaways was seeing how the Rojas family, alongside other community members, has applied deep knowledge of the region’s natural patterns and relationships to create self-sustaining homes, food production systems, and responsible land management. Their approach combines environmental stewardship with economic resilience, creating a blueprint for self-sustainable living. My experience extended beyond the eco-farm, as I visited Café Cultural and learned about local governance, and participated in a presentation by mural artist Lenyth Rojas. These encounters deepened my understanding of how art, community, and sustainability intersect in this vibrant community, making my visit both educational and inspiring.
My visit to Ama-Gi eco-farm was a transformative experience, reshaping my understanding of agriculture,
food production, and the impact of consumer habits. Through immersive workshops on permaculture and
native seed guardianship, I learned to see my role on this planet as a harmonious collaboration with the
environment, inspiring a shift toward a more conscious way of living. I was particularly moved by how the
community uses art—like murals and creative displays of local species—to educate children and residents
about the richness of their land. This experience has strengthened my commitment to becoming a more
discerning consumer and to supporting sustainable initiatives like Ama-Gi through both volunteer efforts and
financial support. I’m also eager to encourage colleagues and students to visit Ama-Gi, so they too can learn
from the Rojas family and the community’s exceptional approach to land stewardship.
