Media Luna: A closer look at the communities near Cerrejón’s port
Media Luna, located in northern La Guajira, Colombia, near Cerrejón’s port facilities (Puerto Bolívar), is home to 16 Wayuu communities whose livelihoods, cultural practices and identity are closely connected to the territory. The region’s social fabric is shaped by extended family networks, traditional leadership structures and a rich ceremonial life, as well as a collective approach to land stewardship and natural resource management.
The communities are governed through traditional authorities, who play a central role in community decision-making. Their social organization reflects longstanding cultural traditions, extended kinship networks and strong connections to ancestral territories. As is common in many Indigenous contexts, differing views on representation and territorial boundaries can add complexity to engagement processes. Building consensus therefore requires time, transparency and ongoing dialogue that respects local governance structures and cultural practices.
Public service delivery
Public service delivery in the area is shaped by geographic isolation, dispersed settlements and limited institutional capacity. Addressing challenges related to healthcare, water, education and basic infrastructure therefore requires ongoing coordination among public institutions and service providers (including the local hospital, the water utility, the Uribia Mayor’s Office and Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) programs), as well as community leaders, supported by Cerrejón, to ensure continuity of support.
In this framework, Cerrejón maintains a consistent field presence through its social team. Daily engagement with authorities and families, combined with a standing working group that includes traditional leaders, public institutions and the company, has strengthened trust and improved predictability in planning. This working group provides a space to share information, address concerns, and coordinate actions that respond to community needs, marking an evolution from earlier approaches that focused mainly on immediate assistance such as water delivery or fishing equipment.
Communities often prioritize culturally significant spaces and practices. Traditional kiosks, which are communal structures used for ceremonies, gatherings and rites, hold deep symbolic value. Their construction or improvement is not just a physical intervention but a contribution to cultural continuity. Other sites, such as cemeteries, water reservoirs and fishing areas, also hold important significance for the communities. Recognizing these priorities, Cerrejón's social investment programs support the construction, improvement and preservation of community spaces that strengthen cultural identity, social cohesion and traditional ways of life.
Education and training
Education is another central focus. Improvements implemented by Cerrejón at the El Edén Etnoeducational institution, including upgrades in water access, sanitation and kitchen infrastructure, support more than 800 students who travel from dispersed housing called rancherías. These investments reflect the importance placed on strengthening opportunities for Wayuu children and adolescents in a territory where access to formal services is limited.
Livelihoods and access to water
Fishing and artisanal crafts remain the main economic activities, although both face constraints related to climate, markets and limited equipment. Cerrejón supports training, certification and safer fishing practices in coordination with maritime authorities, and fosters craft development through technical assistance and participation in national fairs. Water scarcity is a defining challenge across the territory. Between 2021 and April 2026, the company delivered more than 90 million liters of water to Media Luna communities, complemented by training on safe water use and sanitation. These actions help reduce structural gaps in state-provided services and remain essential for community well-being.
Because of these realities, Cerrejón’s engagement strategy has evolved toward co-creation, capacity building and shared responsibility. The progress achieved through the implementation of the T-704 ruling, the creation of community enterprises and the development of social infrastructure reflects years of consistent collaboration between the company and Wayuu authorities.
Understanding Media Luna’s cultural depth, institutional challenges and its proximity to Puerto Bolívar is crucial for appreciating the significance of the initiatives described in the following notes, and the role that Wayuu communities play in shaping their own development.