Múcura Sostenible is a pioneering initiative designed to secure sustainable access to drinking water and strengthen local livelihoods for the 70 families of Puerto Caracol, Múcura Island (Colombia). The project deploys a solar-powered desalination system, improves rainwater harvesting, and installs a community-led cold production system, all operated and maintained locally through a reinforced community governance model.

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The project serves as a replicable model for off-grid islands in Colombia and the wider Caribbean facing similar constraints in water access, energy reliability, and economic vulnerability.

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Access to clean water through solar desalination and rainwater harvesting

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A solar-powered reverse-osmosis desalination plant will produce 7,000–9,000 litres of potable water per day, depending on weather conditions.
The system is complemented by enhanced rainwater harvesting, filtration, and potabilization, ensuring high-quality drinking water throughout the year.

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Cold production to support local livelihood

 

A solar-powered ice production unit is established to improve fish preservation, reduce losses, and create new income opportunities for local micro-enterprises and fishermen.

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Community-driven sustainability

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The project builds strong local technical and organisational capacities and establishes a community-led maintenance team responsible for daily operations. A community fund—fed by revenues from water and ice sales—ensures full financial sustainability by covering operating costs, maintenance, spare parts, and future expansion of the system. A two-year transition governance model supported by CORPOEMA guarantees reliable operation until the community fully assumes ownership.

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