Artifacts found in Parque Arvi correspond to ancient Colombian indigenous communities and those from the colonial and republican eras. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Medellín, Colombia’s Parque Arví, a prominent natural reserve and recreation space, has announced a significant financial turnaround, a surge in visitor numbers, and exciting new archaeological discoveries, according to the city mayor’s office. After experiencing a cumulative deficit of $2.463 billion Colombian pesos during the administration of previous mayor Daniel Quintero, now facing charges for corruption, the Corporación Parque Arví generated a surplus of $2.884 billion Colombian pesos in 2024. This financial recovery has enabled the park to address its budgetary shortfall and liabilities totaling $7 billion Colombian pesos.

The park attributes this positive shift to the reactivation of its tourism and socio-environmental initiatives during the second half of 2024. These efforts resulted in a $1.235 billion Colombian pesos increase in revenue compared to 2023, representing a 40% growth. This financial improvement has allowed the Parque Arví to continue its environmental management efforts within the Arví territory and the city. These initiatives include the intervention of 131 hectares of forests and green areas, encompassing the seven tutelary hills, the maintenance of 40,000 trees, the planting of an additional 2,000 trees, and the treatment of 62,000 kilograms of solid waste.

The current mayoral administration under Federico Gutierrez has been able to recover the fiscal deficit left by the previous mayor.

In the past year, Parque Arví welcomed 897,000 visitors, establishing itself as the most visited nature tourism destination in Medellín. This influx of visitors has reportedly generated $3 billion Colombian pesos in benefits for local businesses and facilitated the revival of events such as Mercado Arví, Arví Florece, the Gastronomic Festival, the Pre-Christmas Festival, and Christmas among Flowers.

Archaeologists discovered 17 structures, such as earth, stone, or mud walls. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Óscar Andrés Cardona Cadavid, director of the Corporación Parque Arví, stated, “The Corporación Parque Arví is a city project that originated as a collaborative agreement between the public, private, and academic sectors. It is precisely through this synergy that we have achieved its recovery, generating a positive environmental and social impact for the communities of the Arví territory and serving the entire metropolitan area.”

Through its sustainability initiatives, the park has reached 15,132 individuals through environmental education programs, cultural and archaeological heritage dissemination, and the Sustainable Homes program, which has engaged 60 families in the territory.

New Archaeological Discoveries

In a recent development, experts have uncovered six new archaeological sites within El Parque Arví, covering a total area of 40,000 square meters. These sites are expected to become valuable resources for exploring and uncovering archaeological artifacts. For years, the area has yielded objects from indigenous cultures dating back over 2,000 years, as well as artifacts from the colonial and republican eras. The latest discoveries include 17 structures, such as earth, stone, or mud walls, providing insights into the lifestyles and spatial organization of communities that settled in the region after the arrival of the Spanish in 1541.

Stone tools and fragments of ceramic, pottery, and glass vessels, among others. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Among the finds are fragments of ceramic vessels and other artifacts used for purposes like salt extraction, food preparation, and cooking by the ancient inhabitants. Researchers are currently analyzing samples of these pieces to determine their characteristics and mineral composition, as well as to identify the types of plants or elements used in the ancestors’ diets and to establish their age. Additionally, fragments of pottery, glass, and tiles have been recovered, offering further details about the artifacts used during that period. These findings are the result of collaborative contracts between EPM and Arví Park, as part of the area’s archaeological management plan. A notable outcome is the creation of an archaeological reference collection inventory, comprising over 16,000 pieces, along with a database documenting stone tools and fragments of ceramic, pottery, and glass vessels.

This work has helped to reveal the human impact on the landscape of Santa Elena, which remains concealed within the forest. The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History designated this territory as a Protected Archaeological Area in 2019 and a Site of Cultural Interest of National Character in 1998.

Óscar Cardona Cadavid, director of Arví Park, encourages public engagement: “We invite the community, researchers, students, and those interested in history and archaeology to visit us, contact us on our social media, and arrange guided tours with our archaeologists. Learning about our culture, our history, and how the city’s first inhabitants lived is part of the essence of being here.”

The park’s public archaeology program has recently conducted 23 educational activities, including 20 archaeology workshops, aimed at informing the local community and visitors about the rich heritage preserved in Arví’s forests. These workshops cover topics such as archaeological methods, the history of the area, and significant findings. Additionally, three specialized seminars on archaeology and history will explore the geological and natural development of the Aburrá Valley and the Santa Elena plateau, as well as the transformation of the landscape by its early inhabitants. These educational initiatives have reached a total of 265 participants.

Fragments of ceramic vessels and other artifacts used for purposes such as salt extraction and food preparation and cooking by the ancient settlers were found. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

The Medellín Mayors Administration is inviting visitors to return to Arví Park to explore ancestral routes like the Camino de La Cuesta and La Laguna, among other sites that reveal historical traces.

Arví Park is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Guided and self-guided tours are available for those interested in learning about the archaeological finds and experiencing the park’s natural attractions.

Daniela Fleisman details Parque Arví’s diverse attractions and entertainment options

Daniela Fleisman, Deputy Director of Competitiveness and Tourism for Parque Arví talked to Finance Colombia’s Loren Moss during ANATO’s Vitrina Turistica tourism event, where she described the park as a 1,761-hectare (4,352 acres) natural reserve located in Santa Elena, near Medellín, accessible via a scenic cable car ride. “[Parque Arvi] is a natural reserve of 1,761 hectares. It’s located in Santa Elena. It’s near Medellin and we are connected by a cable car. So it’s very beautiful to arrive there. You can take the metro and you can arrive there in just half an hour from downtown Medellin.” She also notes that buses are available from Placita de Flores in downtown Medellín, with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes to one hour.

Fleisman highlights the diverse activities available at Parque Arví, including bike tours and hikes of varying lengths, catering to different fitness levels. “Okay, so daily, you can find bike tours where you can go around the park with an electric bike. So it’s for all kinds of members of the public. We also have different hikes and they are for different kinds of people. So we have hikes of 30 minutes, 40 minutes or 2 or 3 hours, whatever you want.” For those interested in local culture, trips to Silletera estates can be arranged, offering insights into the history and creation of silletas, which are flower arrangements.

Parque Arví and the surrounding area of Santa Elena offer a variety of dining options, from traditional to international cuisine, often accompanied by scenic views of the city. “Santa Elena is becoming like a trendy place. It’s a place where you could go and find different kinds of restaurants: typical restaurants, like more international, pizza, hamburgers, like all kinds of restaurants. And there are also some where you can find beautiful views from the city. So it’s like a whole-day plan.”

Fleisman also discussed the park’s participation in La Vitrina Turística, noting the strong interest from agencies and individuals in the park’s offerings. She emphasized the park’s diverse attractions, including culture, history, nature, and birdwatching. “[…] We are the second most visited place in Medellin right now. So we want to get to tell all the people everything that you can find there, like from culture, history, nature, birdwatching, everything.”

For more information about Parque Arví and its activities, Fleisman encourages people to follow the park on social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok) under the handle @parquearvi. “So if you want to get to know a little bit more and know all the plans that we have, please follow us in every social network, @parquearvi on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, everywhere.” She also mentioned that the park offers plans and activities throughout the year, including events for Semana Santa, the mid-year vacation, the Fiesta de Silleteros, and Christmas.

Daniela Fleisman, Deputy Director of Competitiveness and Tourism of Parque Arvi. Photo credit: Loren Moss.

Colombia’s government has declared a national health emergency in response to the active circulation of the yellow fever virus in several regions and the potential for its spread to urban centers. The measure aims to safeguard public health, contain the virus’s propagation, and mitigate its potential effects.

Health authorities are urgently calling on everyone in Colombia to get vaccinated against yellow fever starting at nine months of age, including individuals over 59 years old. Between September 2024 and now, 75 confirmed cases and 34 deaths have been reported nationwide, representing a cumulative fatality rate of 45.3%.

Confirmed cases are distributed across nine departments: Tolima (59 cases), Putumayo (7), Nariño (2), Caquetá (2), Huila (1), Vaupés (1), Cauca (1), Meta (1), and Caldas (1). Fatalities associated with the disease have been recorded in eight departments: Tolima (23 deaths), Putumayo (5), Caquetá (1), Nariño (1), Caldas (1), Cauca (1), Huila (1), and Meta (1).

Yellow fever is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Initial symptoms within the first 24 hours can include fever, headache, and general malaise. In the subsequent 72 hours, symptoms often intensify with gastrointestinal manifestations such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. From the fifth day onwards, signs like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and bleeding may occur, which can be fatal in unvaccinated individuals. The disease is highly preventable through vaccination, with a reported fatality rate ranging between 40% and 50%.

Colombia is implementing an urgent, free, door-to-door vaccine program to prevent the gruesome disease from spreading via mosquitos.

Since September 2024, the National Government has implemented a series of strategic actions to control the spread of yellow fever and protect public health:

• Intensified Vaccination Strategy: The age range for immunization has been expanded to include individuals from 9 months of age and older, with mass mobilization efforts in affected municipalities.
• Strengthened Epidemiological Surveillance: Over 20 rapid response teams have been deployed for active community case finding and field investigations. Entomovirological, pathological, and laboratory surveillance has also been reinforced through the national reference laboratory of the National Health Institute (Instituto Nacional de Salud).
• Expanded Primary Care: More than 100 Basic Health Care Teams (Equipos Básicos de Atención en Salud – EBAS) have been activated in municipalities with confirmed virus presence.
• Coordination with Health Promotion Entities (EPS) and Vaccination Networks: Health Promotion Entities (Entidades Promotoras de Salud – EPS) have been instructed to establish and operate vaccination teams in coordination with the public and private healthcare network in all affected territories.
• Territorial Coordination through Unified Command Posts (PMU): Twenty-two PMU sessions have been held in the department of Tolima, one in Caldas, and one at the national level, involving local, departmental, and national authorities. Additionally, an extraordinary session of the Risk Management Committee was convened in Huila.
• National Communication and Education Campaign: An information and education strategy has been activated to promote vaccination, self-care, and vector control nationwide.
• Clear Technical Guidelines for the Health System: Circulars with precise instructions for all actors in the national and territorial health system have been issued, disseminated, and technically supported.

The outbreak has demonstrated a progressive expansion, particularly in areas of the Amazon basin, the Magdalena River valley, and departments such as Meta, within a short period. Cases have also emerged in territories with no historical records of the disease, such as the municipality of Neira in Caldas, located in the coffee-growing region.

While urban transmission of yellow fever has not been reported in Colombia since 1929, there is a potential risk of re-emergence due to the frequent entry of individuals into enzootic areas—where the virus circulates in its sylvatic cycle through Sabethes and Haemagogus mosquito species—and their subsequent movement to urban zones below 2,200 meters above sea level, inhabited by urban cycle transmitting species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Epidemiological monitoring has identified cases in populated centers and urban peripheries of municipalities with low population density, indicating a risk of expansion into larger urban centers. Given this scenario, vaccination remains the most effective tool for controlling yellow fever. Analysis of fatal cases has shown that the deceased individuals were unvaccinated, underscoring the urgency of increasing vaccination coverage. Territorial entities must prioritize immunization of the entire population over 9 months of age in high-risk municipalities and strengthen the intensification strategy in the rest of the country.

The Minister of Health and Social Protection (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social), Dr. Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, stated, “With the declaration of the yellow fever emergency, we are intensifying actions to protect the entire population. Our Basic Health Teams, totaling more than 10,000, continue to travel to vaccinate all people in the most remote areas of the country, especially in high-risk zones. The vaccine is free, safe, and administered in a single dose, at least 10 days before entering risk areas.”

The Minister also added that door-to-door campaigns, vaccination drives in educational institutions, transportation terminals, military and police facilities, and other collective spaces will be strengthened. Furthermore, mosquito control measures will be reinforced, and immediate access to healthcare services without barriers will be guaranteed.

Considering the above, and within the framework of the declared health emergency, the following measures are adopted at the national level to contain the yellow fever outbreak, protect the lives of the population, and ensure a coordinated response from the health system:

• Mass Vaccination: A national mass mobilization will commence in high-risk municipalities and extend to the rest of the national territory. The vaccine is free, safe, administered in a single dose, and should be received 10 days before entering risk areas. Strategies will include door-to-door campaigns and vaccination in educational institutions, transportation terminals, military and police facilities, and other collective spaces.
• Integrated Vector (Mosquito) Control: Actions to control mosquitoes in homes, communities, healthcare facilities, and high-traffic areas such as market squares and terminals will be intensified. Mosquito nets will also be distributed in high-risk rural areas.
• Immediate Deployment of Basic Health Teams and Rapid Response Teams: These teams will play a crucial role in case identification, community education, epidemiological monitoring, and vaccine administration, bringing services closer to the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.
• Centralized Management of Health Services: Regional Emergency and Disaster Centers (Centros Reguladores de Urgencias y Emergencias – CRUE) will assume control of the availability of Intensive Care Units (ICU) and patient transfers.
• Obligations of Health Promotion Entities (EPS): EPS are required to allocate all necessary technical and financial resources through their public, private, and mixed networks to guarantee vaccination, prevention, and care for their entire affiliated population. Prior authorization from EPS for the provision of health services is not required.
• National Hospital Alert: A yellow hospital alert is activated throughout the public, private, and mixed healthcare network nationwide. This will be elevated to orange alert in municipalities with human cases and, if justified, to red alert, based on the analysis conducted by the territorial entity with the support of the Ministry of Health and the National Health Institute.
• Mobility Restrictions: Local authorities may implement access restrictions to areas with active virus transmission, following established protocols and in coordination with police forces. The protection of medical personnel during these operations will be guaranteed.
• Requirement of International Vaccination Certificate for Travelers: In compliance with the International Health Regulations, international travelers entering the country may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before entering risk areas. (This measure will be adjusted based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to avoid impacting tourism and trade).
• Culture of Prevention: Citizens are urged to adopt self-care measures, eliminate mosquito breeding sites in their surroundings, and seek timely vaccination. In particular, residents of municipalities located below 2,200 meters above sea level are advised to use insect repellent, mosquito nets, and clothing that covers the skin as personal protection measures against the yellow fever transmitting mosquito.
• Risk Management Committees: Departmental, district, and municipal territorial entities located in high-risk areas will convene risk management committees to adopt comprehensive control and risk management plans.

The director of the National Health Institute, Diana Marcela Pava, reiterated the duty to protect the health and lives of Colombians. “The measure to declare a health emergency was subjected to a rigorous risk assessment exercise, which is an internationally validated process to establish the level of risk the country is facing,” explained the director, adding that “thanks to this exercise, the measures announced by the Ministry of Health were taken.”

The Vice Minister of Public Health, Jaime Urrego, stated, “This emergency has a preventive emphasis. The vaccine saves lives, and this emergency reminds us that we must take extreme precautions. There are two key points: the change in the behavior of the disease and the risk of urbanization, especially in municipalities below 2,200 meters where we must vaccinate the entire population. We are not seeking to generate fear but to act jointly with experts to stop yellow fever.”

The General Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Rodolfo Salas, affirmed, “Colombia is a social state governed by the rule of law, where the right to life and health prevails. According to Article 69 of Law 1753 of 2015, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is the competent governing body to declare a health emergency in the event of epidemics that endanger the public health of the country. This virus is showing rapid transmission, so we call on the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to prevent its spread.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection calls for the shared responsibility of all actors in the health system, territorial authorities, and the community in general to confront this emergency and protect lives.

Information for Travelers and Individuals in Risk Areas:

Yellow fever is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes typically bite during the day. For travelers and residents in areas below 2,200 meters above sea level, especially those in the departments with reported cases, the following precautions are recommended:

• Vaccination: The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong protection with a single dose. It is recommended to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before traveling to or residing in risk areas. The vaccine is available free of charge in affected municipalities for individuals over 9 months of age.
• Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent containing DEET.  Follow the instructions on the product label.  
• Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito biting times.
• Mosquito Nets: Use mosquito nets (bed nets), especially if sleeping outdoors or in unscreened accommodations. Permethrin-treated nets offer additional protection.
• Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites: Regularly empty and clean containers that can hold water, such as flowerpots, tires, buckets, and pet water dishes, around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice, especially after being in a risk area, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and supportive care can improve outcomes.
• International Travel Requirements: Travelers entering Colombia from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission may be required to present an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, as per the International Health Regulations. It is advisable to check the latest requirements before traveling. Similarly, travelers departing from Colombia to certain countries may also need proof of vaccination.

The current health emergency underscores the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of yellow fever transmission in Colombia. Residents and travelers in affected areas should adhere to the recommendations of health authorities to protect themselves and prevent further spread of the virus.

Photos © Loren Moss

Bank of America (BofA) has issued a cautious outlook on Colombia’s fiscal management, advising investors to avoid Colombian assets due to escalating fiscal risks. Bloomberg is reporting that following a two-day visit to Bogotá, BofA analysts concluded that Colombia’s fiscal risks are more severe than previously assessed, potentially impacting inflation, the Colombian peso, and monetary policy.

The analysts observed that outside of the current administration of President Gustavo Petro and his acolytes, there is a consensus that the fiscal rule was breached in 2024—a first since the measure’s establishment in 2011. They noted that this situation could pressure the exchange rate and inflation, limiting the Banco de la República‘s ability to ease monetary policy, hindering Colombia’s economic activity.

BofA also highlighted that Colombia’s revenues have fallen short of projections, increasing the need for public spending cuts. However, the bank expressed skepticism that Congress would endorse such measures due to potential political repercussions.

Colombian Peso. Photo credit: Jared Wade.

The Ministry of Finance has sparked national debate on April 14, following the release of a draft decree that proposes sweeping changes to the tax withholding system in Colombia. The initiative includes both an increase in withholding tax rates and a lowering of the minimum income threshold required for early tax collection, known as “retención en la fuente.”

The government’s aim is to boost state revenues in the short term, but the plan is already drawing criticism for its potential long-term consequences, as it may lead to long-term fiscal complications while shifting the burden onto future administrations.

According to La República, Colombian economic-financial newspaper, the reform is projected to generate between $1.6 million and $4.6 million USD, depending on implementation: Luis Fernando Mejía, director of economic think tank Fedesarrollo, estimates the change would effectively advance about 0.8% of the country’s GDP in 2026 taxes. He noted that this amount closely mirrors the tax reform proposal that failed in Congress in December 2024. The measure would impact numerous economic sectors, including coal extraction, which would face a hike from 3.2% to 5.5%, and oil, jumping from 5.6% to 7%.

The announcement triggered an immediate response from Representative Katherine Miranda (Congresswoman in the lower house of the Congress), who condemned the plan. She accused the government of irresponsibility, pointing to its spending abroad while proposing austerity at home.

“They’re spending more than $11 million USD on fake houses in Japan, $600 billion COP on a consultation to campaign and they want to defund the next government”, Miranda wrote on X following the announcement. Miranda’s comments echo those of Senator María Fernanda Cabal (Congresswoman in the upper house of the Congress), who earlier that day denounced what she called “wasteful and unaccountable” foreign expenditures under the guise of promoting Colombia, after the investment of $11,200,000 USD in a government-backed cultural and diplomatic space established by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan as part of the Expo 2025 Osaka

“Petro’s government spent more than $11 million USD on the ‘Casa Colombia’ in Osaka, Japan. It’s outrageous to see how they deny funding for medicines, housing subsidies, and education, yet they provide millions of dollars for a house in Osaka, Japan,” Cabal said in an X post.

According to Cabal, more expenditures with the same purpose were done for the ‘Casa Colombia’ initiative in Davos and Paris.

Laura Sarabia, Foreign Minister, visited Japan and inaugurated Colombia’s pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka, where Procolombia expect around 28 million visitors. Officials argued that the venue will help showcase Colombia’s global potential, but opposition voices remain unconvinced about the actual benefits.

In response to the complaints, President Petro defended the investment, also via X, pointing out that Colombia was the only Latin American country to participate in the event and that “the money invested in the stand can be regained in only one day through exports and tourism.”

Headline photo: The design, construction, and operation of Colombia’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka cost more than $11 million USD (Photo from Colombia Expo 2025 Osaka official Twitter account @Colombiaexpo)

Colombia was this week a little different from most other countries. It was waiting around to see what the libertarians of Washington would offer up next. Of course, they’re only offering more economic chaos, which benefits no one, including the US. Fortunately for Donald Trump, most of his core supporters don’t have the smarts to understand the long-term damage.

Colombia is a tough call in terms of impact. Many of its exports to the US are inelastic in terms of demand, but it is a good moment to look around for new markets. According to the press, Colombia is in the 10% bracket, and US negotiators will arrive in May to thrash out the details. The political skirmish with the US from last weekend already appears to have blown over, which suggests there may have been a lot of exaggeration involved.

Forex traders are suffering, as are those with international trade. The Peso jumped above $4400, then fell back – where it will be next work is a guesstimate at best. There was good news from Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística – DANE Colombia on the inflation front for March with a 0.52% reading, which translated into 5.09% on a 12m basis. Consensus expectation from Fedesarrollo was 5.17%. This surely now gives Banco de la República – Colombia the space to lower rates in a couple of weeks.

One area where Colombia is caught in a trap is on gas. Local production has struggled, and whilst recent offshore discoveries will help the situation moving forward, there is work to do. The 2024 gas reserves data was published and has dropped to just 6 years, and there is a shortfall to be covered. Initially, the plan was to look for cheap imports from Venezuela; however, Trump’s hostility towards Caracas and the threat of sanctions for those trading with Nicolás Maduro have complicated the situation. To contextualize the situation in 2012, reserves were above 13 years; however, those at the ANH are hoping that we have now reached the bottom, and that increases due to discoveries will change the trend.

Moody’s was again discussing the fiscal rule, and despite some easing, feels that it won’t be achieved in 2025 due to a shortfall in government revenues. Again, we come back to the global chaos, which has seen oil prices collapse to $60. Gas-guzzling Americans will be ecstatic as the driving season approaches, but it is no help to Colombia.

Have a great day.

Roops.

Never miss Rupert’s latest commentary.
Follow him now on LinkedIn to see What Jumps Out.

Natural gas well. Photo credit: Ken Doerr.

Medellín’s Agency for Landscape, Heritage, and Public-Private Partnerships (APP Agency) is making progress in the conservation and revitalization of the Prado Centro neighborhood with the delivery of Casa Ángel, the first property to benefit from the instrument known as Compensation for Transfer of Building Rights.

This is the first of four properties with this status (the others are the Roncari House, the Poet House, and the Folkloric Ballet headquarters), through which the District allocates approximately $3 million USD for the restoration and adaptation of spaces, ensuring the preservation of the city’s architectural heritage.

“This means that the properties are given an economic benefit to be reinvested in their property, to maintain and improve the heritage property, to leverage productive projects that enhance the conservation value of the Prado neighborhood,” said Daniel Madrigal, Deputy Director of Landscape and Heritage Management at the APP Agency.

The Compensation for Transfer of Construction Rights allows for the rehabilitation of heritage assets and their use for new uses that boost the economy and cultural life of the area. This instrument, managed by the APP Agency, is granted exclusively to heritage properties in Prado Centro.

Prado Centro, Medellín’s traditional neighborhood, is revived with a new compensation scheme: Casa Ángel is the first to receive it. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

The process allows owners to access resources for the internal renovation of their properties, maintaining their historical and aesthetic value, while private investors transform them into economically sustainable projects. Casa Ángel, for example, will become an exclusive short-stay accommodation, opening its doors to travelers and tourists interested in the area’s cultural richness. “Casa Ángel will enter the market as a short-stay accommodation, highlighting the property as a heritage asset, without losing its essence and culture in the Prado neighborhood.

“We seek to integrate the house into a project highlighting heritage, memory, architecture, and, ultimately, the past,” said Tatiana Villegas, legal representative of Casa Ángel. Thanks to this initiative, the revitalization of the area is strengthened, benefiting owners, residents, and the entire community.

The program’s implementation is possible thanks to the collaborative work between the APP Agency and key entities, such as the Administrative Planning Department and the Secretariats of Economic Development and Physical Infrastructure. With actions like these, the Mayor’s Office of Medellín claims to reaffirm its commitment to the conservation of its heritage and sustainable urban development, offering new opportunities for the city’s economic and social growth.

Photos courtesy: City of Medellín.

Bayport, a subsidiary of Bayport Management Ltd. (BML), has obtained a loan of $110,000 million USD from BBVA, with support from the National Guarantee Fund (FNG). The funds are intended to facilitate new loans to Colombians, particularly those without established credit histories or who have been excluded from traditional banking services.

Bayport currently holds a portfolio of $1.3 billion in Colombia and aims to utilize this new capital to broaden its reach and provide more accessible credit solutions. The agreement is reportedly supported by the FNG, which provides guarantees to facilitate credit access within Colombia.

Lilian Perea, CEO of Bayport Colombia, stated that the funding agreement reflects market confidence in Bayport’s operations and its commitment to financial inclusion. Perea also acknowledged the support of BBVA, the FNG, and Equilibrio Capital for their assistance in securing the guarantee with FNG.

BBVA Colombia’s Vice President of Business and Governance, Sergio Lizarazo, noted that this operation aligns with BBVA’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion. BBVA states that it aims to support companies like Bayport that are working to provide financial resources to underserved populations.

The allocated resources will be directed toward originating loans designed to empower Colombians financially, offering capital for various purposes, including entrepreneurship, home improvements, education, and healthcare. Bayport will prioritize individuals traditionally excluded from the financial system due to a lack of credit history or previous reporting to credit bureaus.

Bayport focuses on providing payroll loans to pensioners, public sector employees, and members of the military and police. The company also offers financial education resources through its website and social media channels.

Photo of Lilian Perea provided courtesy of Bayport Colombia.

Colombia’s exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products reached a value of $1,143 million USD in February 2025, representing a growth of 18.9% compared to the same month in 2024. This increase is mainly due to the increase in coffee exports, which grew by $176 million USD (68.5%); cocoa and cocoa preparations: $17 million USD (88.8%); and beef meat and offal: $14.5 million USD (214.4%).

Between January and February 2025, the sector’s exports reached a total of $2,287 million USD, representing an increase of 29.6% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven by the increase in coffee exports, which rose $418.6 million USD (86%); cocoa, with an increase of $34.9 million USD (115.3%); and beef and offal, with an increase of $27.4 million USD (209.5%).

In terms of volume, Colombia exported 436,931 tons of agricultural and agro-industrial products in February 2025, which represented a decrease of 10% compared to February 2024. This drop is mainly explained by the reduction in exports of bananas (-27%), fats or oils (-72%), and flowers (-18.4%).

However, over the past 12 months (March 2024 to February 2025), exports in value increased by 17% from the same period a year earlier. In addition, in volume, exports grew by 4.8%, highlighting the performance of products such as coffee and cocoa.

Dora Inés Rey, acting director of the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA), commented: “The constant growth of our agricultural exports reflects the work and quality of our producers. Products such as coffee, cocoa, and beef continue to stand out in international markets, consolidating Colombia as a global benchmark. From the UPRA, we continue to promote strategies that favor the sustainable and competitive growth of our exports.”

Coffee beans. Photo credit: Pexels from Pixabay.

Medellín has made significant progress on its internationalization agenda and, in 2024, attracted $150 million USD in foreign direct investment through 23 projects that generated 1,759 jobs, thus regaining its leadership in urban, social, and economic development.

The executive director of ACI Medellín, Cristina Zambrano, said that “in 2024, we achieved milestones that position Medellín as a global leader in innovation and sustainability. We reestablished strategic relationships with countries such as South Korea, Switzerland, and Singapore, and reaffirmed our leadership in networks such as C40, where we promote priority climate and energy projects for the city.”

The technology sector led these achievements with 56% of investment projects, consolidating its position as a driver of development for Medellín. Companies from other parts of the world continue to show their confidence in the city.
Furthermore, companies from countries such as the United States, Germany, Canada, Chile, and Mexico were attracted by its human talent, its articulated ecosystem, and its strategic location.

In international cooperation, $3 million USD was secured to develop 20 projects with Germany and Japan, among others, which focused on sustainability and social and economic development. This commitment was reflected in initiatives such as implementing Urban Protected Air Zones and energy efficiency in public buildings, funded by the C40 Network, with an investment of $250,000 USD.

2024 also marked Medellín’s return to global leadership, with the commitment to the recovery of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, alongside the World Economic Forum, and the district’s return to the C40 Steering Committee. In addition, the city hosted the World Data Forum, a unique event that attracted more than 3,000 visitors from around the world.

In the educational field, a partnership with Rockwell Automation and the Ministry of Education enabled technology awareness sessions to be held for 3,050 students in Delaware public schools, fostering their interest in the technology industry. On the other hand, the Medellín and its international allies event brought together more than
150 international leaders, business leaders, and industry representatives to learn about the District Development Plan, promoting strategic projects for the city.

With these achievements, Medellín not only strengthens its leadership in innovation and sustainability but also establishes itself as a reliable destination for international cooperation and investment, projecting itself toward growth and social transformation.

Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Aris Mining Corporation (TSX: ARIS; NYSE-A: ARMN) has announced its gold production for the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), totaling 54,763 ounces. This figure includes 47,549 ounces from the Segovia operations and 7,214 ounces from the Marmato Upper Mine in Colombia.

The company reported an 8% increase in total gold production compared to the 50,767 ounces produced in Q1 2024. Aris Mining stated that this production reflects operational momentum as it enters 2025. The commissioning of the expanded Segovia processing facility remains on track for the second quarter of 2025, with the company anticipating additional production growth in subsequent quarters.

Aris Mining has set its full-year 2025 production guidance between 230,000 and 275,000 ounces of gold. This guidance includes an expected production range of 210,000 to 250,000 ounces from Segovia and 20,000 to 25,000 ounces from the Marmato Upper Mine. The company noted that the Q1 2025 production figures provided in the release are approximate and may differ from the final results to be included in its 2025 interim financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), which are expected to be released in early May 2025 and filed on SEDAR+ in Canada and with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) via EDGAR.

Neil Woodyer, CEO of Aris Mining, commented on the company’s performance, stating, “Q1 production came in slightly ahead of our budget target, reflecting a solid operational start to the year. With the expanded Segovia processing facility set to be commissioned this quarter, we are well on track to deliver on our full-year production guidance of 230,000 to 275,000 oz.”

Segovia Operations – Q1 2025 Operating Information:

Marmato Upper Mine – Q1 2025 Operating Information:

Founded in September 2022, Aris Mining is a gold mining company focused on Latin America. The company’s strategy involves current gold production and cash flow generation, coupled with growth through expansions of its operating assets and exploration and development projects. Aris Mining operates two underground gold mines in Colombia: the Segovia Operations and the Marmato Upper Mine, which together produced 210,955 ounces of gold in 2024.

The company is currently undertaking expansions at its Segovia mill, which is expected to ramp up production in the second half of 2025, and the new Marmato Lower Mine, which is anticipated to ramp up production in the second half of 2026. These expansions aim to increase Aris Mining’s annual production rate to over 500,000 ounces of gold.

Additionally, Aris Mining holds a 51% interest in the Soto Norte joint venture in Colombia. Studies are underway for a smaller-scale development plan, with results expected in mid-2025. In Guyana, the company owns the Toroparu gold/copper project, diversifying its asset portfolio.

Aris Mining also stated its intent to pursue partnerships within Colombia’s small-scale mining sector and to consider acquisitions and other growth opportunities.

Photo credit: Aris Mining.