There is a tiny man-made island near the coast of Colombia that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Why is it interesting? Because there are only 500 citizens on that island, only 15 houses, and only 4 main streets. Locals are somehow surviving on a teeny-tiny piece of land, raise children, and manage to care about Mother Nature around them. It is a very curious corner of the Caribbean.
Santa Cruz del Islote
It’s known as the most densely populated island in the world. It’s a tiny island off the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
500 people live in 15 houses on an area the size of a football pitch.
It’s in the Archipelago of San Bernardo, a protected coral paradise.
It’s a man-made island. With no running water or electrical grid.
It was built on a coral platform by the pioneer families. 150 years later, it has grown to the size of one hectare.
There are 4 main streets and 10 neighborhoods. No cars, no motorcycles.
“My name is Juvenal Julio. I’m the archipelago’s historian. Here we are in Santa Cruz del Islote. It’s the most populated island in the world per square metre”, says Juvenal Julio Berrio.
A power generator and 2 solar stations provide electricity.
“Some people here make a living from fishing, especially fishing with a harpoon. They dive for lobster, conch, and octopus. But directly or indirectly, we all make a living from tourism”, adds Juvenal Julio Berrio.
Thousands visit the island every year. With no beaches, the islanders designed a way to attract visitors. Two aquariums allow travellers to swim with local wildlife. From turtles to sharks.
“We all look after the limited resources that we have. We check the fishermen’s boats each day to see what they’ve caught. Turtle used to be a popular dish, but now most people are aware of their importance”, says Adrian Caraballo de Hoyos, local Ecological leader.
Adrian leads an ecological group of 30 kids. They call themselves “Saviours of the Reef”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7SxlpUjI3M
