Written by: Jules Domine
Eastern Antioquia is iconic in Colombia for being the birthplace of narco trafficking, and former home of some of the most violent guerrilla and paramilitary groups. The region has also suffered the social and environmental impact of massive hydro and natural exploitation proyecto. In the 2000’s 80 % of the population was displaced by civil war, while the region provided over 15 % of Colombia’s electricity and 60 % of its cement. Yet, over half of this region is drained by one last free flowing river, the Samana.
This watershed was paradoxically protected by the war, and as peace settled in 15 years ago, hydroelectric projects proliferated once again. Yet this time, local communities knew better. After suffering from over 60 years of armed conflict and their land flooded by dams, this new wave of projects only reinforced their resilience. In parallel, kayakers coming from abroad started to explore the watershed, and revealed a whitewater paradise. Both locals and kayakers share a common interest – to keep the river free flowing! The Samana fest is the moment where all these intentions meet.
By essence, the festival has always been about protecting the river, and sharing it’s beauty through adventures, sports, kayaking and culture, but after 2 years of absence due to the pandemic, it only appeared logical but to step it up and add music into the mix! We worked extra hard with artists who resonated with the concept of the festival and put together a unique lineup, with concerts by the river, where the participants could paddle to the sound of the music, while the public watched and listened, bathing in the river. A big stage was also erected in San Luis, on the main town’s plaza, where more than 3000 people gathered to listen to local and international artists, such as “Puerto Candelaria” and dance for the Samana River.
This 5 th event was marked by the diversity in the participants. Kayakers, city people, rural communities and the national press, politicians and even the police, all united behind the Samana River and demonstrated the capacity of ecotourism, rafting and kayaking to generate a positive solution to protect the Samana river and create an economy for the region, without destroying it’s incredible beauty and biodiversity.
Finally, the event reactivated the debate around protective measures for the Samana River. This is a very positive example of how kayaking and conservation can merge. Ten years ago, no one had heard about kayaking and rafting in the region, and there are now many people traveling to paddle from abroad. The local kids have also picked up the sport, and there is even a kayak club! “Aguas Blancas Rio Samana” will surely provide very talented kayakers in the near future! Thanks to Kokatat for providing the prices for the competition, International river and to the municipality of San Luis for supporting the event.
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