Barichara is undergoing a historic process: the updating of its Territorial Planning Scheme (EOT), a key instrument for the planning and management of its territory. But unlike other places in the country, here this process is not led solely by institutions: the voice of the citizens is at its core.
The EOT Barichara 2025 Citizen Forum was born as a civil society initiative, promoted by MESETA –Community Water Board–, which was consolidated in November 2024 with the Water Council.
The Barichara Regenerativa Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes territorial transformation processes, under the mandate of MESETA, is responsible for channeling resources and providing technical support for the development of the Citizen Forum.
It is clear that the Territorial Planning Scheme (EOT), which was in effect until 2015, no longer addresses the municipality's current challenges, including mass tourism, rapid urban development, and the water crisis. In this regard, the Forum's purpose is clear: to prevent Barichara from losing its identity and carrying capacity, and instead, to collectively build a planning model that protects water, culture, and community life.
Activations that build community
The Forum has been under construction since May 2025 through various participatory activations that seek to gather the voices of the entire community:
- Affective Maps of the TerritoryIn partnership with the Community Action Boards, the inhabitants have drawn their maps of the present and their dreams for the future, achieving 25 community maps so far.
- Living DreamsStudents from schools and colleges have expressed their vision of Barichara in creative activities, showing what they dream of for the municipality in the next 12 years.
- ReceptionsSectoral dialogues and dialogues by population groups (tourism, culture, economy, health, construction, local knowledge, young entrepreneurs, among others) where we talk about how the new EOT can support productive work without losing the essence of the town.
- Young Community ReportersA group of young people has been formed to narrate this process, with the dual mission of documenting the construction of the EOT and exploring their own vocational interests.
Each of these strategies has made it possible to unite generations, neighborhoods and rural communities in the same exercise: dreaming of the future of Barichara from the present.
What has been achieved so far
The results are significant. Nearly 600 people have participated directly in the activities, supported by a growing team of 65 volunteers. In addition to the 25 affective maps and 6 school activations, 17 thematic gatherings have been held, representing the first collective analysis of the territory in recent years.
These meetings have revealed shared concerns about water, soil, tourism, and culture, as well as proposals to strengthen the local economy without jeopardizing ecosystems. At the same time, a network of partners has been established, including the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga (UNAB), the Barichara Mayor's Office, hotels, restaurants, and various foundations.
The Forum stands out for its innovation, combining contemporary participation methodologies with local traditions; for its legitimacy, by including diverse voices from the entire community; and for its projection, as it is emerging as a replicable model in other municipalities of Colombia.
What's next: a major citizens' gathering
The next milestone in this process will be the Barichara EOT Citizen Forum, which will take place on September 21st in Barichara's central park, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. It will be a space to bring the community together, celebrate participation, exhibit and award community maps, share common dreams, and collectively experience planning the municipality's future. In the afternoon, an institutional academic forum will be held, convened by MESETA, the Barichara Regenerative Foundation, and the Colombian Society of Architects.
After September 21, the information will be systematized and a Citizen Committee for Monitoring the Territorial Planning Scheme (EOT) will be formed to ensure the continuity of the process. The goal is also to consolidate a territorial planning model that can be replicated in other municipalities.
An invitation to dream together
Barichara is showing that the future cannot be decreed:We talk, we dream, and we build collectively. This process is also a commitment to participatory democracy, where every voice counts in deciding the direction of the territory.
If you want to support this process, you can do so by funding activations on September 21st; supporting the systematization and publication of results; supporting dissemination and visibility; and co-financing a replicable model.
The invitation is clear: Join the Citizens' Forum on September 21st and be part of this citizen-led initiative that seeks to ensure Barichara remains a unique place, with opportunities for all and in harmony with nature.
