Colombian environmental activists stand up to oil companies, corruption and violence | Global US

The Fight for the River: Violence, Oil, and Environmental Activism in Colombia

Key Concepts: Environmental activism, armed conflict, oil industry, water contamination, human rights, territorial control, paramilitary groups, FARC, impunity, state protection programs, ecological collapse, Magdalena River, Baranca, Colombia.

I. The Threat to Life and Livelihood

The documentary centers on the perilous situation faced by environmental activists and fishing communities in Baranca, Colombia, a region deeply impacted by oil extraction, cocaine trafficking, and armed conflict. Caring for the environment in this area carries a significant risk, including ambushes, death threats, and targeted harassment. Julie Velasquez and Jesus Eschavaria, a couple deeply involved in protecting the Magdalena River, recount a harrowing experience in 2019 where their home was shot at, forcing them to flee with their children. This attack exemplifies the violence used to silence those opposing powerful interests. The pervasive fear is palpable; even returning to their property feels unsafe. As Julie states, “Our life has changed since we moved away from here. Everything has changed. We’ve never felt so at peace again.”

II. The Contaminated River and the Role of Echopetrol

The Magdalena River, a vital ecosystem and source of livelihood for local communities, is severely polluted by oil industry waste. Jesus and Julie regularly document the contamination, revealing oily films on the water, dead wildlife (crocodiles, manatees, turtles, monkeys, birds), and crude oil present in the riverbed sediment. They specifically accuse Echopetrol, Colombia’s state-owned energy giant, of illegally discharging wastewater into a tributary, despite the company’s denials. The water is described as “pure poison,” causing skin irritation and rendering fish unsafe for consumption. A local fisher laments the dwindling catches, stating, “If you let it go, you just go home with a long face. What else can I do?” The documentary highlights the economic desperation that forces people to continue fishing despite the risks.

III. A Global Crisis: Environmental Activist Murders

The situation in Colombia is part of a broader global trend of violence against environmental defenders. In 2024 alone, nearly 150 environmental activists were murdered worldwide, with the vast majority of these killings occurring in Latin America. Colombia experienced a record 48 murders that year, followed by Guatemala, Mexico, and Brazil. Those opposing large-scale projects like mining, monocultures, and infrastructure developments are particularly vulnerable. The documentary emphasizes that this isn’t just about environmental protection; it’s about a struggle for life itself.

IV. The Complex Web of Conflict and Control

Baranca is a nexus of illegal activities, including cocaine trafficking, paramilitary activity, mining, and oil extraction. The control of waterways is central to maintaining power in the region, serving as transport routes for illicit goods and a means of exerting territorial dominance. Juan Camilo Gauna of the Kredos human rights organization explains that armed groups control the rivers and that authorities often turn a blind eye to illegal activities, either through complicity or powerlessness. A chilling threat received by the Velasquez family illustrates the direct danger: “Pack your things. Take your whole family and leave town… If you don't, as military commander of the Gulf cartel paramilitaries, I will be forced to target you and if necessary, your family.”

V. Resistance and Collective Action

Despite the immense risks, communities are fighting back. The Fisers Organization, led by Julie Velasquez, has filed numerous charges against polluters. A protest at the Echopetrol refinery brings together grassroots activists, refinery workers, and fishers, demanding accountability and a halt to further oil and gas extraction. A refinery worker emphasizes the importance of basic necessities: “First and foremost, we are people, not just workers. And we need water, an intact ecosystem, clean air, the basic prerequisites for life to continue.” Uli’s mother, Yasmine, participates in the protest, demonstrating intergenerational commitment to the cause.

VI. Personal Toll and the Decision to Stay

The violence has had a devastating impact on the Velasquez family. Their daughter, Delta, suffered academically and emotionally, requiring therapy after witnessing the threats and displacement. Despite being offered exile in Canada, Julie and Jesus chose to remain in Colombia, believing that leaving would be a surrender to persecution. Julie reflects on her family history of violence – her father murdered by paramilitaries, her brother killed in guerilla crossfire, her sister’s suicide – and asserts, “I’m in a position where either I give up completely… or I continue the struggle.”

VII. Hope and Legal Victories

Despite the ongoing dangers, there are glimmers of hope. A recent court ruling mandates that Echopetrol, water utilities, and environmental authorities conduct a comprehensive assessment of the river’s water quality and provide proof of regular inspections. This is a significant victory for the fishers, although it requires confirmation by a second court. Uli Velasquez, recognized with the German Human Rights Award by Amnesty International, embodies the resilience and determination of the community. She states, “I will keep going… As a woman, as a fisherwoman, I will not remain silent in the face of impunity.”

Technical Terms:

• Echopetrol: Colombia’s state-owned energy company.
• FARC: Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), a guerilla group largely demobilized.
• Paramilitary Groups: Illegal armed groups often involved in drug trafficking and violence. The Gulf Cartel is mentioned as a current example.
• Fedip Pisan: The local fishers organization led by Julie Velasquez.
• Kredos: A human rights organization operating in Colombia.
• Fracking: A controversial method of extracting oil and gas that carries significant environmental risks.
• Impunity: Exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action.

Logical Connections:

The documentary establishes a clear connection between the oil industry’s activities, the presence of armed groups, and the violence faced by environmental defenders. The pursuit of territorial control and economic gain fuels the conflict, while the contamination of the river directly impacts the livelihoods and health of local communities. The personal stories of Julie and Jesus, alongside the broader statistics on activist murders, illustrate the human cost of this struggle.

Data and Statistics:

• Nearly 150 environmental activists murdered worldwide in 2024.
• Colombia recorded 48 environmental activist murders in 2024, the highest number globally.
• The Magdalena River is experiencing ecological collapse due to oil contamination.

Conclusion:

The documentary paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by those defending the environment in Colombia. It reveals a complex interplay of economic interests, armed conflict, and human rights abuses. Despite the immense risks, the resilience and determination of communities like Baranca offer a glimmer of hope, demonstrating the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment to protecting their land, water, and future. The legal victories, while incremental, represent important steps towards accountability and justice. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by environmental defenders worldwide and the urgent need to address the root causes of violence and environmental degradation.