The Path Through ‘The Beautiful Region’
Suyusama (a Quechua word meaning beautiful region) is a social work of the Society of Jesus in the Nariño Department, southern Colombia. For 20 years, Suyusama has been working to implement processes of transformative economy, agroecology, gender equality and autonomy, culture and territorial impact. These are strategies developed with communities and other allied institutions, following the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences to accompany the creation of a hopeful future for new generations, the care of the common home, and the accompaniment of the poor and marginalised.
The Nariño Department has natural areas that contain important reserves of biodiversity and energy resources. It is also an area of multiculturalism, inhabited by Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and peasant communities. In contrast to this natural and cultural wealth, Nariño is one of the regions most affected by violence. This has a major impact on the regional economy and security, disrupting community work and exacerbating inequality in rural areas. In this context, Suyusama's commitment is relevant and urgent.
Since 2012, my work as part of the professional team of the Suyusama Foundation has allowed me to develop a reciprocal relationship with the work of creation. This reciprocity comes from knowing and loving where I come from (my place of origin), the place that nourishes and sustains me. In response to all this goodness, I offer my work and passion to accompany community processes of territorial construction based on respect for life in its multiple manifestations.
During this time, I have encountered the nobility and strength of nature that responds to the processes of agroecological transition with generosity and abundance reflected in the variety and quality of the land's food when one listens and begins to understand it. I am also amazed at the courage of emerging leaders who care for common resources such as water, seeds and cultural identities. Many voices are rising to defend the environment, aware of the relationships of eco-dependence and interdependence within the web of life.
Throughout these years, community dialogue and reflection, and above all, the care that women have historically assumed, have been fundamental; without their work and effort, we would not be able to enjoy food, health, fruitful social relationships and the strength to carry out the daily activities that ensure our sustenance. We all take responsibility for these tasks.
Walking through "the beautiful region" (Suyusama) has brought me closer to a rural reality that deserves attention and has always shown us how to care for life. I strongly feel that it is necessary to continue accompanying, with humility and respect, those who guard our common home each day and who, through their actions, promote reconciliation, justice, and a zest for life.
Marly Zambrano Pineda
Agronomist from the University of Nariño, Colombia. Master in Agroecology from the University Pablo de Olavide, Spain. Technical team member of the Suyusama Foundation, coordinator of the Gender Equality Axis and coordinator of the Gender Group of the Comparte Network.
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