Women from the Baia -Malag region on the Pacific coast of Colombia are collected by Piangua – Molluska, which sets in the thickness of the soil under the roots of mangrove trees.
Piangua resembles oysters and mussels, have a sink of two wings, the body is flattened from the sides, and the leg is more often keel -shaped
collectors of a rare mollusk is called “Pianguers.”
In the BAIA-MALAGA region on the Pacific coast of Colombia, women known as “earn a living, collecting shells called” Piangua “in mangroves using traditional methods.
The collection of Piangua in the Pacific region of Colombia is associated with the cultural traditions and economic well -being of local residents.
The Association of Pickers Piangua (Asociaciacion de Mujeres Piangueras) is mainly of single mothers. The purpose of its activity is to contribute to the environment and preservation of the tradition of gathering Piangua.
With the assistance of the International Center for Justice of the Transition period (ICTJ) and the European Union of the Association, 8 canoe, 30 sets for harvesting and 5 sets for storing and processing mollusks were recently provided. Piangua processing trainings were also carried out.
The correspondent of the Anadolu agency talked with the collector of Piangua, the mother of five children with Orphilia Reneria Gamboa. The interlocutor of the agency called her work “heritage of the ancestors.”
“I learned about the gathering of Piangua from my grandmother when I was seven years old. This tradition we got from my ancestors. If we do not take care of her preservation, she may disappear,” says Orphilia.
According to the woman, she really likes this work. “We are happy to float in a boat, joke and have fun, away from harmful emissions. That’s why we love the sea so much.”
Mangrin forests are evergreen deciduous forests growing in a tidal strip of sea coasts and river mouths in places protected from the energy of the waves with coral reefs or islands. Mangro forests are widespread in South America, especially in Colombia and Ecuador. They also grow up to the western and eastern coasts of Africa, in Southeast Asia, as well as in the Caribbean and Central America. They have great environmental and social significance. They prevent erosion, contribute to the fight against climate change, and are also a natural habitat for fish, crustaceans and birds.