Caño Grande is a natural channel that used to be the original mouth of the Sinú River until the mid-1930s, when it was diverted to a new mouth in Cispatá Bay, in the neighboring municipality of San Antero. It has a length of approximately 16 kilometers, from the point where it meets the river to the Bay of Cispatá.
This place is home to a great diversity of birds, with a record of 216 different species. Among them, the emblematic bird known as Agamia, Agami or red heron stands out. The presence of these birds in the area demonstrates the importance of the site as a habitat for wildlife.
In the Caño de Caño Grande you can see various ecosystems, being notable the presence of three swamps: Ostional, Navío and Zona. These swamps are surrounded by mangroves and are controlled and monitored by local farmers. The community living in the area, called "amphibious population", has managed to adapt effectively to the environment, building a hydraulic system similar to that used by the Zenúes, which is able to self-regulate naturally and absorb large volumes of water, which helps mitigate flooding.
In addition to its ecological importance, Caño Grande has also been used for agricultural activities. Rice is mainly sown in the lowlands, while bananas are grown in the higher areas. The local community has found ways to use natural resources sustainably, demonstrating a close connection with the environment.
Caño Grande is part of the Cispatá Bay Integrated Management District (DMI), which makes it a protected area. The populations living on the banks of the canal carry out community processes, such as the implementation of productive or agro-ecological courtyards. These yards consist of planting various varieties of ornamental plants, fruit trees, vegetables and other crops for own consumption, promoting self-management and food security. Its diversity of birds, mangrove ecosystems and sustainable activities in the area demonstrate the connection of the local community with its natural environment. In addition, its inclusion in the Cispatá Bay Integrated Management District confirms its value as a protected area and its contribution to biodiversity conservation.
