<p>Buenaventura is Colombia's main port on the Pacific coast and local authorities and investors are eager to transform it into a touristic destination, but the town has fallen prey to brutal drug-related gang violence over recent years.</p><br /><br />Armed gangs use torture, blackmail and extortion to control the disadvantaged Pacific coastline communities in the region, as they are ideal locations for smuggling cocaine out of the country. <br />But the neighbourhood of Puente Nayero has decided to fight back against the criminals and declare itself a "humanitarian space". This civil resistance is bearing fruit and has inspired similar initiatives around the country.<br />Programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble<br /><br />Visit our website:<br />http://www.france24.com<br /><br />Like us on Facebook:<br />https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter:<br />https://twitter.com/France24_en
