The Director General of Corpoguajira, Luis Manuel Medina Toro, highlighted the major achievements of the entity during the previous year.

In order to comply with the statutes of the entity, Regional Autonomous Corporation of La Guajira, convened the community at large, the public and private sector, non-governmental organizations and control entities; the public hearing accountability to present the progress of the Action Plan 2012 – 2015.

The event was led by the Director of the Corporation, Luis Manuel Medina Toro, who together with his team, highlighted the following achievements:

Regarding Risk Management for Disaster Prevention and Response, benefited more than 10.294 People with Early Warning System, landslide and flooding. They were issued 365 reports on the weather and 9 Special warnings were reported. With the completion of several workshops advice on wildfire prevention was provided to representatives of local authorities and peasant communities.

With regard to works to protect and restore rivers, completed construction of 16.446 cubic meters of gabions, cleaning 260 miles of runway at the Cesar rivers, Rancheria, Tapias, Cotoprix, Tomarrazón, Sherry, Black, San Salvador, Width, Reeds and Palomino. Alternative solutions threats were structured by the Tapias River flooding in a section of 54 kilometers between the towns of Riohacha and Dibulla, and completed the construction of channeling, drainage and protection on the major rivers in the region.

Among the achievements of environmental planning in territorial management, 15 municipalities were supported in reviewing and adjusting their POT and the organization of an environmental information system. Successfully presented the book "Semi-detailed Soil Survey and Land Zoning in the Middle and Lower Guajira".

In relation to the Integrated Water Resource Management, was completed on 100% implementation of the Management Plan Groundwater Maicao. Six basins were declared in management and created more than 30.000 hectares of protected areas, whose management plans are already underway. Also water flows four ruled them: Tapias, Sherry, Reeds and Cesar. Moreover contaminant load determination was effected at 32 point sources of dumping, subject to the payment of the remuneration rate. The Environmental Laboratory of the entity, was accredited by the Ideam.

As for the promotion of competitive and sustainable production processes, organizations that are part of the Guajira Red Green strengthened; were promoted 24 cleaner production pilot projects in agriculture, livestock and fisheries. Over 5.000 people were trained in good agricultural practices and 451 Peasants participated in workshops Community Ecotourism.

Among the achievements of the shares of knowledge, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, is important to note the progress in 8 species conservation programs. Throughout the previous year traffic control patrols species of fauna and flora were performed, in the municipalities of Riohacha, Manaure, Maicao, Uribia, Fonseca, Albania and Dibulla. Thanks to the work of raising, community members voluntarily surrendered 284 copies of wildlife. 12 cubic meters of illegal timber were seized.

Corpoguajira has contributed leadership and positioning Node Ecotourism La Guajira. Successfully held the Forum on Sustainable Tourism and Solidarity Economy, with the participation of 150 people. 12 green producers received support from the entity.

The prevention and control of environmental degradation, they had the realization of 310 monitoring of emissions from mobile sources and over 2.000 analysis to assess air quality in the mining corridor. 81.000 tons of solid waste were disposed properly. Over 340.000 people were benefited with the services of collection and disposal of solid waste and completed the 100% Promotion of Integrated Management Plan for Hazardous and Solid Waste. Several strategies were concluded with the mayors of the southern department, to promote mechanisms that enable integrated waste management

In knowledge management and information, implementing stands 14 School Environmental Projects. 448 people were trained in climate change and 400 Guajiro attended workshops on mechanisms of participation and environmental management oversight. The Documentation Centre, it provided timely care 1.552 Users. Processes the Office of Communications and Press strengthened, which develops different products to keep the public informed on the progress of corporate programs.

As part of the exercise of the environmental authority, They raised over $200 million in licensing, environmental permits and paperwork. We advance 13 processes of summary jurisdiction. Fines and sanctions against environmental offenses totaled $389.227.800.

During the 2012, Corpoguajira generated 3.170 jobs and 36.765 wages. Meanwhile 45.516 people benefited in infrastructure for water and sewage.

Among the recognitions is important to mention that we got a rating of 91.23% Excellent and Good perception that the community has Corpoguajira. The Council Riohacha, gave the highest distinction the Director General of the Corporation for their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity and the environment. Was signed with the Ministry of Environment Agreement for Good Government. For the first time in the history of the Corporation, indigenous communities were directly involved in the formulation of the Action Plan.

The Regional Autonomous Corporation of La Guajira will continue the work done during the present administration, with the desire to be the leader in the country and CAR, of course, contributing as top environmental authority to improve the quality of life all Guajiro.