In one of the most important regions on the planet, where the rainforest meets the ocean and the rain falls as if the sky were in a hurry, an initiative has been born that wants to show the world the value of the Colombian Pacific. Verde Pacific is not just a brand: it's an invitation to discover an extraordinary region and to support those who have cared for it for generations. To mark its pre-launch, we had the opportunity to speak with Daniel Aldana, founding partner and CEO.
Question: How did the idea for Verde Pacific come about?
DA: It stems from a mixture of wonder and frustration. Wonder because the Colombian Pacific is one of the most important regions on the planet: did you know, for example, that it produces 2% of the world's fresh water, and that the flying river that flows from there feeds rivers as far away as the Mississippi? And frustration because it remains little known and offers few economic opportunities. We thought: if the world falls in love with this territory as we have, perhaps we can turn that admiration into opportunities for those who live there. So that they can finally share in nature's abundance.
Question: What does Verde Pacific offer? Can you give us some examples?
DA: We like to say that we offer “flavors and experiences of the Pacific.” We don’t talk about tourists, but about travelers. And our regenerative products are the way travelers can stay connected to the Pacific. On the one hand, food products and handicrafts from the region—like chocolate prepared by Afro-Colombian and Indigenous artisans, tuna caught responsibly by the community, chili peppers with dozens of ingredients from the diverse rainforest—all made with the highest quality and traceability within the territory. And on the other hand, memorable travel experiences: listening to whales sing in Gorgona after fishing for pianguar with the women of Timbiquí; discovering with your own hands, still in the earth, 500-year-old ceramics in the living museum of Santa María la Antigua del Darién, the first Spanish city in the Americas; seeing the tracks of the jaguar of the heart in the Urabeña rainforest of Suriquí and being filled with hope by the story of the Jiménez brothers; Immerse yourself in a healing retreat with shamanic women from the Chamzará community and learn from them how to cook crab in coconut milk. In short, there are many, all healed by us and supported so that they become increasingly regenerative and prosperous.
Question: Who are its founders?
DA: The project brings together entrepreneurs committed to the sustainable development of the Pacific region. Among them are Josefina Klinger, a renowned community leader and pioneer of sustainable tourism in Nuquí, famous for her successful operation of the Utría Cove Park and for leading the community's opposition to the construction of the port that would destroy the ecological miracle of the Gulf of Tribugá; and Enilda Jimenez, founder of the Suriki Nature Reserve in Urabá, a global landmark in biodiversity conservation and a beacon of hope that it is indeed possible to achieve entrepreneurial success after the Colombian armed conflict.
Question: What impact do they intend to achieve?
DA: Our goal is for conservation and prosperity to go hand in hand. We want protecting the forests, mangroves, and biodiversity of the Pacific to also mean generating decent incomes for the communities that have cared for this territory for centuries. Our aim is that by 2030, Verde Pacific will support 150 regenerative product brands, local accommodations, and cultural and nature-based experience guides and instructors throughout the Colombian Pacific region. We will work with each of them to strengthen the marketing of their products and services and support them, through our certification, on their journey to becoming more sustainable, green, and regenerative communities. Furthermore, we will connect them with purpose-driven travelers and share our profits with them so that the majority of the value generated returns to the Pacific region.
Question: What would you say to someone who has never been to the Pacific?
DA: Come with curiosity… and with time. Because when you arrive in the Pacific, you discover that nature, music, cuisine, and people have the power to charm anyone.
As I leave, I'm left with the feeling that Verde Pacific isn't just another business venture, but a commitment to changing how the country views the Pacific. If its Director's passion is contagious, it's possible that many more Colombians—and visitors from around the world—will soon discover that this rainy coast holds a future full of opportunities. And that we are privileged to have the chance to know and protect this treasure.