Social dialogue

We promote associativity

In partnership with Ean University, we have provided training in project design, development plans, associativity and entrepreneurship to leaders in the region to strengthen the community social fabric.

With the work led by the private company and the academy, California, Surata and Matanza become the first municipalities in Santander to have Community Development Plans, which gives them a competitive advantage to identify social management opportunities.

Within the framework of the development of the "Soto Norte Vision for the Future" strategy, designed with the aim of building trust, fostering dialogue and citizen participation and encouraging territorial development planning, two fronts were resolved:

1. CONSTRUCTION AND TRUST PLAN: 

In search of long-term positive impacts, collective construction spaces were designed in the municipalities of California, Surata and Matanza, in which around 800 participants attended, especially the presidents or members of the Community Action Boards. The community identified the main concerns which were translated, focused and embodied in 3 Community Development Plans (one for each municipality), a basis that will allow future local elected leaders to direct the company's social investment. 

With the result of this work, the Soto Norte Project was consolidated as a strategic ally for the region, so that people could comprehensively view the territory and, through self-knowledge, work on what unites the province regardless of differences. In addition, new community leaders were identified, especially in the rural areas of each locality.

Relationship + formulation of Community Development Plans (CDPs)

2. STRUCTURED DIALOGUES:

In order to generate a social dialogue for the future of the province of Soto Norte, Ean University started the study program "Life Systems for Territorial Sustainability", an academic space for reflection and learning that involves the different actors of political, social and economic development in the same purpose: to acquire key tools that expand their knowledge to move towards sustainability with territorial and sectoral identity.

Through this academic process, which had 3 moments of face-to-face dialogue with Brigitte Baptiste, chancellor of the institution, 210 people from California, Surata and Matanza were certified. The content of this academic modality addressed narratives around sustainability, with key elements for the resolution of socio-ecological conflicts, the emergence of new regenerative cultures and governance designs.

Certificate in Life Systems for Territorial Sustainability:

In identifying potential scenarios for the future of the region, the communities of Surata and Matanza highlighted the Farmers' Markets as a sustainable initiative to boost their own economy, also linked to the rescue of customs and the promotion of the culture that represents their collective essence. 

The Farmers' Markets are now a platform for building a social fabric, in which not only is there an economic transaction, but there is also a convergence of agricultural tradition, ancestral knowledge and practices that energize the lives of the peasants of these localities of Soto Norte. This economic modality ensures:

• Food safety
• Strengthening of the agricultural sector
• Invigoration of the rural economy
• Preparation of the territory for a diversified and sustainable future
• Contribution to compliance with the National Development Plan
• Potentiation of local and regional supplier networks