Adaptation to climate change in Margarita,Department of Bolívar, Colombia

Abstract

Applying participatory assessment methodologies with the inhabitants of the township of Margarita, Bolívar, we were able to identify the different adaptation strategies for the preservation, protection and reconstruction of assets. This town was one of the most affected by the extreme rainy season that in 2010-2011 ravaged much of the country. For this purpose, we used the methodology proposed by Moser and Stein (2010), whose results allow the construction of instances of reflection and analysis between the community and the institutions on the development plans that will allow the community to prevent future disruption and protect or rebuild their assets. The main conclusion is the need of working together (community, government agencies and employers) to decrease the vulnerability of the poor, who traditionally are the most affected.