Recently, four experts in coastal marine issues met at the workshop on the Technical Diagnostic Model for the correct coastal management of maritime beaches held at the University of La Guajira Riohacha, led by the Maritime and Port Administration program of the Alma Mater in coordination with the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DIMAR) and the Governorate of La Guajira.
Dr. Eduardo Guimarães Barboza, who represented the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, marine geology expert Rogerio Portantiolo Manzolli of the Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain, Daiver Pinto Pimienta, professor of the Environmental Engineering program of Uniguajira and Diego Andrés Villate, head of the Maritime Development section of DIMAR, participated in the activity.
During the five days of the event, updated methodologies for the analysis of coastal dynamics were taught through various techniques, case studies with a multidisciplinary approach for the comprehensive assessment of morphodynamic, oceanographic and atmospheric trends that increase risks such as erosion, sea level rise and all kinds of problems that affect urban settlements, port infrastructure and public space.
Melissa Consuegra Terán, director of the Maritime and Port Administration program, said that the activity was supported by the Icetex Experts Program and the support of the International Relations Office of the Alma Mater, from where the participation of the Brazilian expert was managed and financed as a key contribution to the updating of knowledge, the relationship with the external sector and the contribution of academia to improve coastal erosion in the department, especially on the beaches of Palomino, Uribia and Mayapo.
The workshop was divided into six phases in which it was defined what a coastal zone is and its geographic components, as well as the delimitation of these areas from environmental, geographic and legal premises. Likewise, the existing areas in Colombia and in the department of La Guajira were described in order to know their correct use or management.
“We had field work in Palomino and Mayapo, to look at the problems of coastal erosion, the idea is to replicate here all our knowledge about this problem in southern Brazil, applying geotechnical tools,” said Eduardo Guimarães Barboza.
D. from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.
The invited professors also shared tools and technical information for the analysis and interpretation of satellite images, which show the geomorphological, oceanographic and atmospheric features of the beach areas, elements that make it possible to determine the degree of affectation in the midst of coastal erosion.
Guimarães Barboza also pointed out that, “normally, in these sites where there is coastal erosion, the problem occurs in the long term, because they are sectors that should never have been occupied because later problems are generated for the occupation, for the government and for all the people who live in the area”.
From the University of La Guajira we continue in the commitment and advancement of a culture that looks towards the sea to know its real benefits. Finally, through awareness, commitment and coastal marine education, we seek that students and teachers understand that this resource is not only useful for tourist enjoyment, but also contributes to the research, scientific and cultural advancement of the region.
Luis Jaime Ipuana Daza
Journalist Uniguajira
