Innovating from the ground up
A living laboratory where community, knowledge and tourism come together to care for nature, strengthen culture and improve local life.
What is the Living Laboratory?
The Living Laboratory of Bioeconomy and Sustainable Tourism in Puerto Nariño it is a space for open innovation and co-creation where indigenous leaders, young people, tourism entrepreneurs, researchers and local authorities work collaboratively to transform tourism into a positive force for the region.
The Laboratory promotes a new form of tourism: sustainable, regenerative and inclusive. Tourism can be a strategic driver of the Amazonian bioeconomy, provided it is based on respect for nature, ancestral knowledge and responsible innovation. When all stakeholders are committed, tourism not only generates income: it also conserves ecosystems, promotes indigenous culture and builds opportunities for new generations.
Since 2025, the Laboratory has been led and supported by the Stockholm Environment Institute Latin America (SEI), with the support of FONTUR, Fundación Univalle, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism.
What is the Living Laboratory?
The Puerto Nariño Living Laboratory for Sustainable Tourism is a space for open innovation and co-creation. Here, indigenous leaders, young people, entrepreneurs, researchers and local authorities work together to transform tourism into a positive force for the region.
It's not theory: it's action, learning and continuous improvement based on the crazy reality.
Listen
The community is the starting point. Its knowledge, challenges and aspirations guide every process.
Co-create
We design solutions collectively, integrating local and technical knowledge.
Test and improve
Ideas are implemented, evaluated and developed in the territory.
Our approach to innovation
Tourism value chain
We analyse the entire visitor experience, from trip planning to returning home, to identify opportunities for improvement at each stage:
Design thinking
We apply participatory methodologies to identify real challenges, prioritise solutions and create practical, sustainable ideas adapted to the Amazonian context.
Innovations already underway
Digital Guide of Puerto Nariño
A tool created to guide travellers before and during their visit, positioning key messages about sustainable and regenerative tourism in the region.
The Digital Guide improves trip planning, reduces misinformation, and enhances the visitor experience. In addition, digital marketing training was provided to tourism providers and young people in the area. Videos were also produced that reflect the voice and identity of Puerto Nariño.
Amazonian and bioclimatic design and architecture guidelines
In partnership with the National University of Colombia – Leticia campus, guidelines were developed to guide the design of tourism infrastructure in an Amazonian and indigenous territory.
The process integrated academic knowledge and traditional knowledge to address climate comfort, materials, water and waste management, resilience, and cultural respect.
The result: guidelines for public policy that promote more sustainable construction, adapted to the climate and consistent with the identity of the territory.
“NAANE MECHAWÁ – Amazonia on the Table” culinary competition
Held from the 28th to 30th of January 2026, this competition promotes the use of Amazonian ingredients and culinary innovation based on local tradition.
Six chefs participated in the first edition in two categories: traditional cuisine and gastronomic experiences. The contestants received specialised training and presented proposals that combined creativity, identity and local produce. Meet the winners.
The goal: to consolidate an annual event that strengthens gastronomy as a driver of tourism innovation.
Sustainable Tourism Incubator
A training programme with students from educational institutions in Puerto Nariño to promote interest in sustainable tourism, culture and biodiversity.
The incubator strengthens skills in digital communication, research and monitoring, and works in conjunction with the Living Laboratory of Bioeconomy and Sustainable Tourism to promote new generations committed to innovation in the region.
Establishment of a board of directors
who lead the laboratory
- Ismael Rodriguez
- Lilia Java
- Karina Laureano
- Dolly Almeida
- Edgar Pinto
- Dannia Colombia Torres
- Esadith Lopez Ahue
- Abner Ramos
With support from the Secretariat of Culture, Tourism, Recreation and Sport of the Mayor's Office of Puerto Nariño
Innovations already underway
Planeación del viaje
Digital Guide of Puerto Nariño
Talleres de marketing digital para jóvenes y prestadores
Desplazamiento
Información clara y accesible sobre cómo llegar al municipio
Accommodation
Lineamientos de arquitectura bioclimática
Alianza con la Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Alimentación
Promoción de ingredientes locales
Concurso gastronómico “Amazonía en la Mesa – NAANE MECHAWÁ” 28–30 enero 2026
Actividades
Conexión directa con servicios locales desde la Guía Digital
Talleres de comunicación para jóvenes
Establishment of a board of directors
who lead the laboratory
- Ismael Rodriguez
- Lilia Java
- Karina Laureano
- Dolly Almeida
- Edgar Pinto
- Dannia Colombia Torres
- Esadith Lopez Ahue
- Abner Ramos
With support from the Secretariat of Culture, Tourism, Recreation and Sport of the Mayor's Office of Puerto Nariño
Allies of knowledge and innovation
The Omacha Foundation has been a key ally in the development of this digital tool and in strengthening knowledge of the Puerto Nariño region. Its scientific research, environmental education and content production work has contributed for years to the empowerment of local communities and the protection of Amazonian ecosystems.
The inputs developed by Omacha have served as technical and pedagogical basis for responsible tourism, conservation and cultural appropriation processes, and today they are part of the knowledge ecosystem that feeds the Living Laboratory of Sustainable Tourism.
Featured publications
RIVER TOURISM IN THE AMAZON
Booklet providing guidance on responsible navigation and tourism practices on Amazonian rivers, with a focus on conservation and communities.
FLOODED AMAZONIAN FOREST
Programme document Forest Library, which explains the dynamics of the floodplain forest and its ecological and cultural importance.
STORIES OF BUFEOS (AMAZONIAN DOLPHINS)
Publication compiling myths and stories associated with the pink dolphin, integrating science, culture and oral tradition.
A constantly evolving process
This Laboratory is alive, which means that it is constantly learning, adapting, and improving.
Throughout 2026 and the coming years, it will continue to evolve in order to respond to new challenges and opportunities, always working hand in hand with the community and local tourism stakeholders.
Why is this laboratory so important?
Because we believe in tourism that:
- Protect the Amazon rainforest and biodiversity.
- Strengthens indigenous cultural identity.
- Generates opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.
- It offers authentic and responsible experiences to visitors.
Be part of the change!
Whether you are a tourist, visitor, resident of Puerto Nariño, or institutional partner, we invite you to learn about, support, and share this initiative. Puerto Nariño awaits you with tourism that transforms, cares for, and connects.