Coomaser

Former fighters, fish farms & freedom

Basic information

Experience

Impact

Start collaboration:

2025

Directly impacted families:

Project description

In Colombia, the armed conflict has left deep scars, and even seven years after the signing of the peace agreement, many people continue to suffer from its consequences due to limited access to security, education, and stable income. Coomaser was founded by peace signatories in Colombia to support the reintegration of former FARC members into civil society, creating alternative livelihoods for them, their families, and other victims of the conflicts in the region, such as peasants and indigenous groups. The cooperative initially focused on fish farming and is now beginning to develop a tourism initiative.

The 11 peace signatories from Bolívar benefit from the cooperative through income generation and food security provided by fish farming. They see great potential for success through tourism, given their proximity to Cartagena, just 40 minutes away. San Basilio de Palenque—the first town in South America to free itself from colonial rule—is also nearby. Visitors will not only contribute to the economic sustainability for cooperative members, but also offer them a platform to share personal stories of how they lived through the conflict, thereby fostering reconciliation and contributing to peace building in Colombia.

Involvement of V Social

Beginning in March 2025, V Social is working closely with Coomaser and other organized groups of peace signatories to ensure that their investment in tourism leads to success and opens new pathways for a better life in their territory. Our support comes through offering mentorship and professional guidance for entrepreneurs, establishing connections with national and international travel markets, and integrating the cooperative into the existing Network of Tourism & Peace Initiatives. This cooperative is a beneficiary of the TUI Care Futureshapers Program, executed by V Social Foundation and our close local Colombian partner NGO Travolution.

Start collaboration:

2025

Directly impacted families:

Your impact

Mahates

Country: Colombia

Eleven cooperative members benefit from the project, gaining both income and fish for their families. Beyond that, the cooperative offers education and support through partnerships with other organizations. Surrounding communities also benefit from the project, as the cooperative’s economic initiatives and network-building efforts foster broader development and contribute to overall peace building in the region.

Their story