After Hurricane Iota in November 2020, the disregard of ancestral knowledge reached its maximum expression because the reconstruction process has not taken into account the participation of those affected by this disaster. In addition, techniques and materials different from those that have historically worked in the environmental and architectural history of the region have not been used.

The video mentions the devastating impact of Hurricane Iota, the Category 5 cyclonic storm that destroyed 98% of the buildings in the islands of Old Providence and Santa Catalina in the San Andrés Providencia and Santa Catalina archipelago, Colombia. One of the interviewee describes how their house, built with fine woods like Honduran pine, withstood hurricanes in the past but succumbed to the introduction of new construction materials such as cement and cheap but flimsy wood.

The video also highlights the architectural characteristics of traditional island houses, (the use of dense woods, Special features such Lofted zinc roofs that helped to cut the wind and aid rapid water run off, windows, made entirely of wood and no glass, on the lateral facade of the houses oriented to the wind to give free access to air currents that allowed for ventilation and cooling, and specific colors influenced by cultural and religious beliefs). It emphasizes the need to discuss and challenge reconstruction policies and paradigms that do not consider the community’s participation and rights to self-determination, particularly in the context of extreme climate vulnerability.