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Communication and information at the Darien border crossing: a bridge between migrants and host population
- Sinergias
- Sep 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Investigating how the information ecosystem works on the border of the Darien Gap is an essential exercise not only because through the communication processes, historical gaps and structural voids in the region become evident, but also because it allows the generation of useful and effective communication spaces that respond to the diverse situations faced by these populations in humanitarian crisis situations.
For this reason, in 2023 we developed a quantitative and qualitative research that showed the relationship of the migrant and host population of the Darien Gap (from the Colombian border) with the media and local information channels, as well as their contribution to their most immediate needs. With the support of SentARTE - arte con sentido and Internews we seek to generate information tools to respond to the mental health crisis exacerbated by COVID-19 and migration, it was carried out during the months of June to September 2023 in the Darien region, specifically in the areas of Necoclí, Acandí and Capurganá.
Fourteen semi-structured interviews, five targeted focus groups and one survey were conducted with the migrant and host population for a total sample of 170 surveys. Some of the main findings were related to information interests. However, a low supply in the production of local information was observed and the challenges that have arisen for local initiatives were highlighted. Reference was made to the importance of health information, given that 74% of respondents expressed an interest in receiving this type of content in a humanitarian crisis context.
In the development of this research, a communicative process also arises, which is being carried out initially in the municipality of Necoclí and which seeks to collect voices, testimonies and experiences in audio format about migration in the region of the Darién Gap made by the migrant and host population called: Between the sea and the jungle. Stories of migration. Voices and sounds of a journey. Through this process, we seek to generate testimonies from the migratory experiences through the feelings of the people who made their route through the region of the Darien Gap, sharing in them tips, recommendations and relevant information for other processes of transit through this route.
In order to compile these stories, we have conducted some interviews and meetings with migrant and host populations in Necoclí and we have also carried out an exercise in the municipality of sticking stickers in the areas most frequented by the migrant population with a QR code that refers to the project's web page. Through this QR code we have been able to engage in dialogue with some migrants who are in the municipality and in general the most recurrent question that comes to us from the website is in search of options to leave the municipality of Necoclí and continue their migratory transit to the Darién.
The door to a dream
The audiovisual series “the door of a dream” seeks to tell the stories of the migrant and host population in the Darien from the Colombian side. These stories were made in the framework of the research “communication and information in the Darien border crossing: a bridge between migrants and host population” conducted by NotiAcandi, with the support of Sinergias and Internews.