Fields of resilience in Buritaca

adidas and Common Goal team up for environmental project in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

 For people in Buritaca, life at the edge of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is becoming more uncertain. Crops are harder to grow, water is harder to find, and sudden rains often undo months of work.

To face these challenges, the El Rio Foundation, alongside adidas and Common Goal, is transforming the Cabañas courtfield into a Sustainability Hub, a place where sport meets climate education and resilient design, creating new pathways for the community’s future.

Climate adapted infrastructure:

At the centre of the initiative is the new Sustainability Hub. The hub is designed to bring people together while guarding the area from climate-related risks.

• A new calisthenics park for safe year-round sport and an upgraded soccer field give young people a secure place to play and train in all seasons.
• A drainage canal system channels heavy rainfall away from homes and key community spaces.
• Clean water access through rainwater collection and purification systems irrigate green areas and provide safe drinking water for local households.

Education on environmental sustainability through sport:

The project will run a year-long programme bringing environmental education to the community members.

• Monthly learning themes taught in collaboration with Indigenous leaders, sharing skills in water conservation, composting, and waste reduction.
• El Rio Games & Tutoring Programme, sport-based activities designed to bring environmental lessons to life for children and youth.
• Community festivals combining football, cultural exchange, and sustainability awareness to unite residents of all ages.

The education programme began in May 2025 with workshops on composting and gardening, followed by weekly socio-sports sessions from October 2025 to April 2026.

Community management for long term impact:

From the outset, the project will embed community-led management structures to ensure sustainability beyond its first year.

• Local water council, training residents in greywater recycling, purification, and pollution prevention.
• Urban gardening club to provide skills to maintain irrigation systems and grow local food sources.

By combining sport, education, and local leadership, the initiative will help Buritaca build lasting resilience to the challenges of climate change.