On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, the construction of the new infrastructure for the community dining hall of the «Guerreras de Galera» commenced. This group consists of 21 women who, through tourism and the sale of their gastronomy, generate income for their families and the community. The financing and technical support come from the Alliance for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (AEI), while the construction of the bamboo dining hall is being carried out by Caemba. The project is expected to be completed by Sunday, July 18.
Galera is located in the Muisne canton, and its coastal area is within the Galera-San Francisco Marine Reserve, established in 2008 to protect the biodiversity and coastal marine ecosystems of the area, as well as the tropical forest. Galera is situated in the southern part of the Esmeraldas province, and according to the 2010 census, it was inhabited by 1,755 people who identify themselves as mestizos, Afro-descendants, and montubios.
A small group, part of the 21 «Guerreras de Galera,» reviews the designs of the project during the inspection visit conducted in April 2021.
The «Guerreras de Galera» will be able to offer the delicious Esmeraldas gastronomic delights in a new community dining area, located next to the paradisiacal beach of Galera, which boasts beautiful landscapes to showcase to potential visitors.
Previously, there existed a structure made of wood and toquilla straw serving as a dining area. However, a completely new bamboo structure is now being constructed. Previously, an inspection visit was conducted in April of this year.
In that area, there are various species of fish, such as the humpback parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, royal angelfish, grunt, and rock sea bass. Marine mammals such as the bottlenose dolphin and spotted dolphin also inhabit the area.
Galera preserves the culture of the marimba, abundant fishing, and a diverse and high-quality gastronomy, including dishes like octopus guatita and octopus in peanut sauce, among others.
Galera is home to large fish species that serve as raw material for the local gastronomic products served in the dining area.
This village was affected by the April 2016 earthquake, then by Covid-19, and for several years its fishermen have been victims of sea pirates. Initiatives like the construction of the community dining area, which will have two floors, will be of great use in revitalizing the economy of these women and their families. It will also boost tourism in this locality, which now more than ever needs visitors to enjoy its charms.
Several construction technicians from Caemba have worked on the community dining area project in Galera.
We thank the AEI, who made this construction possible, as well as other individual or private business actors.
