Economic Damages Due to the Deterioration of the Magdalena Riverbed in the Town of Girardot, Colombia

Abstract

<p>The deterioration of the riverbed of the Magdalena has negatively affected fishing and the exploitation of the riverside soils to establish leisure sites or basic food crops. The current living conditions of the riverside population of the town of Girardot have been socioeconomically, environmentally and culturally affected. As an objective of Phase I of the research project, this article describes the basic needs identified in five population sectors classified by economic activities. The investigation is intended to measure the deterioration of the riverbank in question and to propose alternatives that diminish the problematic of the population groups. This is based on information obtained through direct consultation with Girardot residents and on the basis of inputs from the subproject entiltled: <em>Identificación y caracterización de las dinámicas económicas del eje regional Girardot, Puerto Salgar y el estado de sistemas productivos y empresariales en los municipios de Girardot, Ambalema y Honda</em>, which is part of macroproject <em>Conociendo, explorando y aportando elementos para la transformación social y productiva del río Magdalena desde una visión integral</em> of the Universidad Piloto de Colombia.</p>