In the rich hills of Monterrondo, a village in the Miranda municipality of Cauca, Colombia, the laughter of tourists and vibrant hues of blooming flora are replacing the echoes of conflict. This transformation is a testament to the resilience of Monterredondo's people and the life-changing effects of landmine clearance.
Alba Nelly, a 61-year-old member of the Nasa indigenous community, knows all too well the scars left by decades of violence in Colombia. Her village, once a battleground, was littered with landmines– a deadly legacy of the conflict between armed groups and the Colombian military. The fighting had forced displacement of the community, and the mines prevented the return of many families to their homeland.
In 2007, while returning home from a day's work in her poultry yard, Alba's life was changed forever when she stepped on a landmine. "My life took a different turn, and it was a challenging time. It took me a while to heal, and I spent two years mostly confined to bed," she recounts.
Alba's story is one of many in Colombia, where over 12,400 landmine victims have been registered since 1990.
The physical and emotional toll of these injuries is profound, often leaving survivors in a state of constant fear and anxiety. However, Alba's story is also one of hope.
In September 2017, HALO began liaising with the community in Monterredondo. HALO Colombia teams painstakingly surveyed the area, carefully destroying any explosive hazards they discovered. Two years later, Monterredondo was declared landmine-free. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for Alba Nelly and her family. Her grandson, Deiner, was inspired by HALO's mission and its impact in his community. Deiner joined the organization as a reminder in Miranda.
Deiner's work with HALO not only equipped him with invaluable skills in teamwork and leadership, but also exposed him to the diverse landscapes of Colombia. Traveling through regions like Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Putumayo, and southern Antioquia, he dreamed of revitalizing his hometown. In Mesones, Antioquia, he visited a famous tourist spot that sparked an idea. "I thought we could try something like this in Monterredondo. Imagine having a place for people to visit, enjoy the view, and drink local coffee," Deiner envisioned.
In 2022, Alba, Deiner, their family and friends embarked on a mission to transform Monterredondo into a tourist destination. They created a stunning observation spot called "Landscape of a Thousand Colors," where visitors can marvel at the breathtaking natural scenery.
The project, managed by nine local families, has become a beacon of hope and economic empowerment for the village. "My mother is excellent with plants, just look around. We have done a fantastic job here," Deiner proudly shares.
Since opening in January 2023, the viewpoint has attracted tourists from neighboring towns and major cities, showcasing the incredible impact of HALO’s mine clearance work. By removing the hidden dangers of war, HALO has not only made Monterredondo safe but also paved the way for sustainable community development and economic growth.
This remarkable transformation is made possible by the dedication of HALO’s teams and the generous support of our donors.
As we look to the future, stories like Alba and Deiner’s remind us of the enduring human spirit and the power of community. Together, we can continue to turn former battlefields into thriving havens of peace and prosperity.
This life-saving work is made possible thanks to funding from: The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA).
