ECONOMY OF THE AMAZON REGION: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The economy of the Amazon region of Colombia is based primarily on ecotourism activities, exploitation of forest resources, fishing, agriculture and artisan products; however, the internal productive activity is very low.

Located in the south east of Colombia, the Amazon region is considered a plant lung, one of the main sources of oxygen for the planet and a refuge for thousands of plant and animal species.

The Colombian Amazon is an exuberant and relatively virgin territory, with low population density and abundant nature, a situation that keeps the region isolated and limits the development of productive sectors.

The economic activities of the Amazon region are related in one way or another with the environment and the settlement processes that have developed in the area, with the intention of improving the quality of life of its inhabitants.

In the Colombian Amazon there are small organized indigenous companies that are responsible for carrying out economic activities through principles of sustainable development and proper management of the region's resources.

All economic activity and exploitation must respect the biodiversity and plant wealth of the region, under the protection of treaties and programs that preserve the natural heritage of the Amazon.

The 5 main economic activities of the Amazon region of Colombia

1- Exploitation of forest resources

The region offers a great variety of trees for forest use, with timber species such as rubber, cedar, mahogany, achapo, encompass, granadillo, yellow, ipecacuana and rosewood.

There are also non-timber forest products, such as plants, flowers and their derivatives (leaves, roots, barks and fruits), which are marketed and exported for ornamental or medicinal use.

2- Fishing

Fishing constitutes an important economic sector thanks to the existence of numerous rivers, streams and pipes in the region with abundant varieties of fish species, both for human consumption and for ornament.

Only artisanal and traditional methods of fishing and catching are allowed, such as harpoon, arrow and rod. The use of networks is penalized in the region.

3- Agriculture

Agriculture is primarily subsistence farming, as agricultural products are a local source of food.

Bananas, corn, cassava, rice, sugarcane, tomato, beans, yams, paprika, cocoa, avocado, pineapple and other native fruit species are mainly grown.

These crops do not have the opportunity to compete with similar products in the rest of the country because they do not have the proper transportation infrastructure for their commercialization. Transfers are mostly made by air or river.

4- Ecotourism

The tourist activity is carried out through small local service companies, which respect biodiversity and promote the enjoyment of landscapes, fauna and flora under parameters of sustainable development.

Multiple successful experiences confirm the rise of ecotourism, with continuous and sustainable development, as an important source of income for the population of the Amazon region of Colombia.

However, it is still a relegated region within Colombian territory, with an almost non-existent road infrastructure and an absence of basic sanitation services that directly affect the growth of the sector.

5- Artisan products

Artisan products have better marketing possibilities to the interior of the country, although they are also offered to customers from national and international tourism.

The indigenous communities of the Colombian Amazon participate actively in the production of artisan products such as decorative and utilitarian crafts, honey, jams, hot sauces, panelas, oils, among others.

References

1. EFE (2014). Countries of the Amazon basin debate tourism strategies in the regional forum. Business & Industries Section. AméricaEconomía Online Magazine. AméricaEconomía Media Group. Retrieved October 23, 2017 from: americaeconomia.com
2. Juan José Vieco. (2001). Development, environment and culture in the Colombian Amazon. Journal of Public Health. Vol. 3, No. 1s. National university of Colombia. Retrieved October 23, 2017 from: magazines.unal.edu.co
3. Observatory of Opinion and Information of Public Interest. OPIP. (2015) How are we doing in the regions? Region of the Amazon. Edition N ° 2. Regional OPIP Editions. Rosario University. Retrieved October 23, 2017 from: urosario.edu.co
4. Orlando Rangel. (2017). Colombian Amazon: the second richest region in flowering plants. Environment. National. Radio Cadena Nacional SAS - RCN Radio. Retrieved October 23, 2017 from: rcnradio.com
5. Sandra Franco, Mauricio Sánchez, Ligia Urrego, Andrea Galeano and María Peñuela-Mora (2015). Products from the artisan market in the city of Leticia (Colombian Amazon) made with species of mauritia flexuosa forests LF Revista Gestión y Ambiente. Volume 18. Number 1. National University of Colombia. Retrieved October 23, 2017 from: magazines.unal.edu.co