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Anajia Guajira is a mapping tool that enables the just and inclusive development of onshore wind energy on Indigenous lands in the La Guajira region of Colombia. It does this by providing key geospatial information to key stakeholders. This interactive data visualization and public forum platform aims to enhance transparency and communication among local communities, wind developers and government officials. It is designed to be mobile-friendly and optimized for low-connectivity users.
“Anajia” means “observatory” in Wayuunaiki; the language most spoken amongst local indigenous communities in La Guajira.
The La Guajira region is predominantly Indigenous territory. It is sparsely populated and contains limited economic infrastructure. It is a deserted peninsula in the Northwest corner of Colombia jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean with consistent onshore trade winds. Accordingly, it is home to perhaps the world’s greatest source of untapped onshore wind potential; enough to power the entire country. The national government thus sets La Guajira at the center of its clean energy goals.
National law protects local communities from foreign resource extraction by requiring free, prior, and informed consent before companies can work in the region. Given a history of neglect and exploitation from the coal industry, local community members can lack trust with national government actors and large corporations.
Anajia Guajira aims to close information and communication gaps to prevent avoidable miscommunication among stakeholders.
This tool is part of a larger effort by SEI to enhance the inclusive development of onshore wind in the region. Another key effort involves training local community members to effectively represent their communities’ interests during the implementation of wind energy projects and their associated infrastructure such as transmission lines, measurement towers, substations and access roads.
Anajia Guajira is a collaboration between SEI Latin America and SEI US.
Features, data layers, sources
The tool congregates geospatial data from various sources into one place in a mobile-friendly format accessible for local communities. It primarily serves as a data access platform that is designed for local communities. Accordingly, it is optimized for low-connectivity users and allows for offline access to certain features. It allows users to search for their particular community location or view relevant data based on their current location (only when permission is explicitly granted). The tool also allows users to upload photos and comments about objects in the map as a verification or invalidation step. Furthermore, it allows users to submit testimonials on a public forum to share best practices with other users in the region.
Anajia Guajira displays the location and boundaries of each proposed wind farm in the region, including the corresponding transmission lines and the status and location of each turbine. The map also displays important places of spiritual importance for local communities that must be treated with particular care. Furthermore, it displays geospatial access to water, railway, health centers, education and other important infrastructure.
Image: Anajia Guajira / SEI
Data layers
Perspective / Anajia Guajira allows community members of La Guajira, Colombia, to give direct feedback on planned wind energy projects in their neighborhoods.
Program / This programme aims to build a collaborative platform to accelerate renewable energy deployment in La Guajira.
Project / This project aims to steer renewable energy development in La Guajira towards more equitable and socially beneficial paths.
Feature / SEI supports Colombia’s wind energy plans with research shaping fair, inclusive policies cited in the Just Energy Transition Roadmap.
Feature / An SEI program is strengthening Wayuu capacity to advocate for their interests in wind energy project development and related infrastructure.
Feature / This story conveys SEI's fieldwork in La Guajira exploring the social acceptance of wind energy among Indigenous Wayuu communities and key challenges.
