Piangüeras: guardians of the mangrove in the Colombian Pacific

Piangüera women of Colombia’s Pacific coast play a vital role in the conservation and sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems through traditional piangua harvesting and innovative restoration practices. In regions like Bahía Málaga and Punta Soldado, they blend ancestral knowledge with community organizing to protect biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and strengthen cultural identity. Despite facing gendered barriers, environmental threats, and limited state presence, these women have formed powerful grassroots networks and initiatives such as Raíces Piangüeras. Their leadership in mangrove restoration, eco-tourism, and environmental governance highlights the importance of inclusive, locally driven approaches to ecosystem management. Recognizing and supporting their contributions is essential for advancing equitable conservation strategies and integrating mangroves into climate and development policies, including Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) and blue carbon programs.