After nearly five decades of unfinished business, Colombia is moving to strengthen its control over the waters surrounding San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, a strategically important archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced on October 18 that his government will issue a long-awaited decree establishing official maritime baselines for the islands, fulfilling a requirement first introduced under Colombian law in 1978.

The announcement came during a televised address delivered from a Colombian Navy vessel near San Andrés.

And the message from the government was clear: Colombia intends to strengthen its maritime presence, protect local fishermen and turn San Andrés into a major Caribbean maritime hub.

Why Has Colombia Waited 48 Years?

The story goes back to August 4, 1978, when Colombia adopted legislation requiring the government to establish official baselines for measuring its maritime territory.

These baselines are important because they help determine where a country’s territorial waters begin and how other maritime zones are measured.

In 1984, Colombia established baselines for its mainland coastline. However, the corresponding work for San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina remained unfinished.

Now, 48 years after the original legislation, the government says it is finally moving forward.

The decree is scheduled to be signed on November 30, 2026, coinciding with celebrations marking San Andrés Day.

Once issued, the official coordinates are expected to be incorporated into Colombia’s nautical charts.

Why Is San Andrés So Important to Colombia?

For many people, San Andrés is best known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and Caribbean culture.

But beyond tourism, the archipelago holds enormous strategic importance.

Located in the western Caribbean, closer to Nicaragua than to mainland Colombia, the islands sit in a region important for fishing, maritime trade, environmental protection and international relations.

They are also home to the Raizal community, whose history, language and traditions are deeply connected to the Caribbean.

Control over surrounding maritime areas affects fishing rights, natural resources, commercial navigation and regional security.

That’s why the government’s announcement goes far beyond drawing lines on a map.

The Long-Running Dispute Between Colombia and Nicaragua

The new initiative comes against the backdrop of a maritime dispute that has shaped relations between Colombia and Nicaragua for decades.

In 2012, the International Court of Justice confirmed Colombia’s sovereignty over San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina while establishing a maritime boundary that awarded Nicaragua rights over substantial surrounding waters.

The ruling was controversial in Colombia, particularly among island communities concerned about traditional fishing grounds.

In 2023, the court rejected Nicaragua’s attempt to extend its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles into areas overlapping Colombia’s maritime entitlements.

However, important questions surrounding maritime rights, enforcement and fishing activity continue to shape relations in the region.

The new Colombian decree is intended to clarify the country’s official maritime reference points. It does not, by itself, overturn international court rulings or automatically expand Colombia’s internationally recognized maritime boundaries.

Colombia Promises Stronger Protection for Fishermen

One of the central themes of the announcement was the protection of local fishing communities.

The government pledged stronger action against piracy and illegal fishing, along with increased maritime surveillance.

For generations, fishing has been central to the economy and cultural identity of San Andrés and Providencia.

The administration says it wants to give the Raizal community greater protection and priority in traditional fishing areas, while preventing illegally caught seafood from entering Colombian ports.

The government also plans to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries on maritime security, rescue operations and environmental protection.

San Andrés Could Become a Major Caribbean Maritime Hub

The announcement wasn’t limited to sovereignty.

President De la Espriella also outlined an economic development strategy aimed at transforming San Andrés into a more important centre for shipping, maritime services and regional trade.

The proposed measures include modernizing vessel registration, improving port infrastructure, expanding maritime connections and supporting professional training for the maritime industry.

Officials also want to attract more vessels to the Colombian registry and make administrative processes easier for boat owners and maritime businesses.

If successfully implemented, the strategy could create new economic opportunities beyond the island’s tourism industry.

However, the scale of future investment, project timelines and specific funding commitments will determine how much of the plan becomes reality.

What About the Environment?

San Andrés and Providencia are surrounded by some of the Caribbean’s most valuable marine ecosystems.

The region includes the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, known for its coral reefs, biodiversity and importance to local communities.

The government says its maritime development plans will include environmental safeguards and protection of the region’s natural resources.

Balancing commercial growth with conservation will be particularly important for an archipelago whose economy depends heavily on healthy marine ecosystems.

What Happens Next?

The next major date is November 30, 2026, when Colombia is expected to formally issue the maritime baselines decree.

That will be the first concrete test of the government’s announcement.

Beyond the decree, attention will turn to whether Colombia delivers on its promises of stronger maritime security, improved fishing protections, port investment and new economic opportunities.

For Colombians living at home and abroad, including the Colombian community in Toronto, the announcement represents another important chapter in the country’s relationship with its Caribbean territory.

After 48 years, Colombia is preparing to complete a long-delayed legal measure. The bigger question is whether the new strategy will bring meaningful improvements to the people who call San Andrés and Providencia home.

What do you think? Will Colombia’s new maritime strategy strengthen San Andrés, or could it create fresh tensions with Nicaragua?

Toronto Latinos | Latin American News & Community Stories

Our next party is going to be a big one. Don’t miss it!