Terrazas Verdes is a transformative initiative launched in 2018 in Medellín's Comuna 13, led by Carlos Alberto Sánchez Mosquera, known as "Nene," co-founder of the Afro-Colombian hip hop group Son Batá. This project turns rooftops in marginalized neighborhoods into urban gardens using hydroponic systems, allowing single mothers and people with mobility impairments to cultivate and sell their own food.
The impact of Terrazas Verdes is significant: it currently includes 32 rooftops spanning over 1,500 square meters of crops, generating 20 direct jobs and benefiting more than 5,000 people. Companies such as Éxito, Postobón, and artists like J. Balvin have supported this initiative, facilitating product commercialization and expanding its reach.
Beyond agriculture, the project integrates psychosocial and artistic components. A notable example is Arte Verde, a rooftop created in collaboration with J. Balvin and chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, which combines hydroponic crops with a stage for emerging artists. This fusion of urban agriculture and cultural expression enriches community life and provides new opportunities for Comuna 13's youth.
For visitors interested in exploring Comuna 13's nightlife, Terrazas Verdes offers a unique perspective. Tours that include visits to these urban gardens reveal how the community has transformed underutilized spaces into sources of livelihood and culture. These experiences not only deepen visitors' understanding of local resilience and creativity but also contribute to strengthening community projects essential to Comuna 13's revitalization.
In summary, Terrazas Verdes exemplifies how social innovation and community commitment can converge to create sustainable solutions in challenging urban contexts, making Comuna 13 a symbol of transformation and hope.
