Communities in Mocoa react to minAmbiente statements about mining

Communities in Mocoa have responded strongly to statements made by the newly appointed Minister of Environment, Fabio Arjona, regarding mining activities in the Amazon. Arjona, designated by President Abelardo de la Espriella, suggested during an interview with El Espectador that the new government might eventually allow extractive activities in the Amazon, albeit under restrictions. He argued that a proposed resolution declaring the Amazon as a permanent Renewable Natural Resources Reserve, which would prohibit future extractive activities, is merely on paper. According to him, this effectively incentivizes illegal gold mining in the region. While he emphasized that the Ministry of Environment does not decide whether mining or hydrocarbon extraction occurs in the Amazon, he noted such activities could take place legally in non-protected areas, possibly in the Amazonian foothills. He stressed that the Amazon is largely environmentally sensitive and should remain off-limits to such activities. The discussion did not address the Libero Cobre project, currently in exploration phase in Mocoa. This project lies within the Amazonian foothills and is considered highly sensitive due to its connection between the Amazon plains and the Andes. It contributes to the phenomenon of "volanté" rivers, clouds carrying recycled water from the Amazon to highland regions like Chingaza, which supplies water to Bogotá. When asked directly about his stance on the project, Arjona did not provide a clear response before publication. Leaders and community members in Mocoa expressed opposition, citing concerns over potential risks to local water resources, biodiversity, and services provided to other regions. Community leaders, including Solanyi Ordóñez from the Alto Putumayo Joint Council, which seeks to protect the water sources of Putumayo, stated they had been warned about the incoming government’s position and viewed it as a threat to life. She highlighted the importance of unity among communities, noting that their efforts have already begun nationally. Ordóñez described the situation as a call for solidarity, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and organization. She warned that demonstrations could face repression under the new administration, yet she affirmed that peaceful mobilization will continue. She called for greater regional unity to enable grassroots political actions. Aureliano Garreta Chindoy, part of the technical secretariat of the Indigenous Social and Popular Resistance Minga, echoed these sentiments. He stressed the necessity of continuing the struggle through both legal means and collective organization to uphold environmental protections and defend indigenous rights. He emphasized that the outcome will depend on how social organizations, indigenous peoples, and the broader population choose to organize themselves. An anonymous indigenous community member, who requested not to be named as a spokesperson, pointed out the importance of the new minister visiting the territories and engaging directly with communities before making decisions. He disagreed with Arjona's view that protecting the Amazon from extractive activities is a mere formality. He cited recent local protests as evidence of growing resistance. The individual emphasized that the community believes the minister must listen to them before taking action.