- Trips to the Amazon jungle to study pressures on rivers, protected areas and indigenous peoples were part of the stories Mongabay Latam reporters and staff told us in 2023.
- Further expeditions took them to the last island in Chile and to a caravan that was supposed to demonstrate the resistance and damage caused by two megaprojects in Mexico.
Crossing a river overrun by illegal mining, entering protected natural areas of the Amazon that have been taken over by drug trafficking and armed groups, or traveling to the southernmost part of the continent are some of the experiences of the Mongabay Latam reporter and staff in 2023.
Reporters out Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru and Mexico They share how they wrote some of the stories published in 2023 and how they faced security issues for themselves and for the people in the areas they traveled to, among other obstacles they had to overcome. They also tell us about spectacular places, organized community work and efforts to protect endangered forests and ecosystems.
Here are their stories:
1. The climate crisis in Chile's southernmost forests: Michelle Carrere's expedition
Boat trip through the Patagonian canals from Punta Arenas to Navarino Island. Photo: Michelle Carrere
To reach Navarino Island I traveled to Punta Arenas by plane and then boarded a ferry going to Navarino Island. The boat transports supplies, spare parts, but also island residents and tourists. The journey through the fjords of Patagonia takes 30 hours. Once in Navarino, I met with scientists who work and investigate in the subantarctic center Effects of climate change in the zone. It turns out that this island is a strategic location because in certain areas it has the same temperature as Antarctica. Therefore, scientists can conduct experiments to find out what is happening in Antarctica.
It was difficult to witness the impact that this place, which is truly special, is suffering; Without doubt one of the most beautiful places in which I had the privilege of being with them and knowing something about them Deterioration due to climate change it's very sad.
On the island of Navarino, the temperature has risen sharply due to global warming. I was shocked to learn that this created mosquitoes that could spread diseases typical of hot areas, such as malaria, among the local fauna. Furthermore, the insects alter their reproductive cycles with subsequent cascading effects on biodiversity. It is very clear on this island Connection between all speciesfrom the smallest and seemingly insignificant to the largest, including humans.
It was also impressive to discover that Role of mosses in the health of the forest, knowing that they are even capturing the nutrients that the wind brings from the sea and feeding them into a forest that is geologically very new. In fact, it is possible to see that Remnants of the Ice Age. The journey through the fjords is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
Read the special here:
Navarino: an island very close to Antarctica that is affected by the dramatic changes of the climate crisis
2. The hell of illegal gold in the Cenepa River in Peru: a report by Enrique Vera
Armed men stand guard in Pagki in the Cenepa River basin as strangers observe gold mining. Photo: Enrique Vera
Since September 2022, I began investigating the threat illegal mining in Awajún communitiessettled in the basin of the Cenepa River in Peru. In August 2023, it had important information on the areas of greatest unrest and the modalities with which illegal miners operate in this part of the Peruvian jungle. In addition, I maintained constant contact with indigenous leaders, Community leaders and organizations that coordinate with the Awajún peoples.
Entering the area was complicated. From the city of Bagua it was a two hour drive to the port of Imaza, we drove for almost four hours on the Marañón River to the mouth of the Cenepa. At this point we start to look into it Mining excavator, in front of the Awajún communities. Sometimes dredgers block the passage of a ship.
During the trip there was two very complicated moments. The first occurred when we crossed the Cenepa River Pagki native community. Although we secretly kept the cameras and cell phones we used to record it Mining companya group serving the illegals noticed our presence and started following us. We managed to mislead the motorboat traveling behind us when we spotted a group of mining rafts crowding the stretch of river corresponding to the native community of San Antonio. Another time when we were returning from the church in a small boat Kusu KubaimAt night we crossed the path with a flashlight Area of mining ponds who operated in the dark. Apparently we aroused suspicion and left a motorboat behind. We only had Turn off the flashlight and navigate for several minutes in complete darkness until the boat passed and moved on.
Following the publication of the report, the National Police and the Peruvian Army carried out three operations against illegal mining in the Cenepa Basin. Those responsible in the region have informed us about this the number of excavators was reduced by more than half. In September we found 70 businesses on the river and now there are 31. The chaos became visible when the river was in a growth phase.
Read the report here:
The Hell of Gold in Cenepa: 70 illegal mining wells devastate the Amazon and Awajún communities in Peru
3. Illegal mining and armed groups in Amacayacu National Park in Colombia: a report by Pilar Puentes
Pilar Puentes during the tour in Amacayacu National Natural Park. Photo: Juan Carlos Contreras for Rutas del Conflicto and Mongabay Latam.
To reach Amacayacu National Park We contacted all three. indigenous reservations present in part of the protected area. Only with their permission did we travel to Leticia, the capital of the Amazonas department, and then cruise the Amazon for about two hours.
The presence of the illegal mining It is a complex and sensitive issue in the region, which is why many of our sources preferred to remain anonymous for the report. Many of the interviews were confidential but were supported by official documents and reports from civil organizations. He Fear of people to speak is notorious given the presence of Armed actors on the three-country border between Colombia, Peru and Brazil. Part of Amacayacu Park is being taken over by armed actors who are preventing us from visiting the area. That's why we only managed to travel to the southern area of the national park.
The report revealed the Work as a parking attendant in areas where the state does not act efficiently and precisely. It has also been shown that the southern area of Amacayacu National Park is preserved and maintained joint work between the national park unit and the local indigenous communities. Local tourism, species conservation and restoration, and a local environmentalist have protected the area from the arrival of illegal mining.
Read the report here:
Amacayacu National Park: Surrounded by illegal mining and controlled by armed groups who restrict entry by park rangers
4. The traces of the unresolved oil spill in Ecuador: an investigation by Diego Cazar Baquero
Diego Cazar speaks with indigenous leaders about the damage caused by oil in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Photo: Armando Lara.
Research on environmental obligations in Sucumbíos and Esmeraldas in Ecuador, called for technical preparation and protection for reporting. A single visit to the area at risk of environmental damage was therefore not enough. We contacted activists, indigenous leaders and specialists on hydrocarbon issues in Ecuador to accompany us on our visits. We also reached the facilities of one of the private oil companies that operated there Yasuni National Park and that it was replaced by state-owned Petroecuador shortly after release in blocks 16 and 67.
We saw this in the communities Waiver of environmental liabilities documented in our research, which also reflects the treatment that the state has historically given to the Amazon population, from whose territories Ecuador has extracted its greatest wealth over the last 50 years: oil. It was heartbreaking to see thousands of Amazon residents have lost their access to healthy water, to healthy food, adequate housing and other basic rights such as education and health, at the expense of exploiting their land for the benefit of other areas of the country and to feed corruption networks. During our reporting, we were in contact with several sources related to local authorities who were concerned about this Increase in corruption in the region.
One of the most dramatic findings was that the… The state does not have detailed information about the health status of the population The Amazon region still has sufficient or properly trained health workers to serve a region extremely vulnerable to diseases caused by mining activities.
The most difficult part of the investigation was obtaining official public information from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, the Ministry of Energy, Petroecuador and private oil companies, which have remained secretive to press inquiries.
Read the report here:
Pits, spills and abandoned pools: the traces of half a century of untreated oil spills in Ecuador
5. The Putumayo jungle plagued by drug trafficking in Colombia: an investigation by Santiago Rodríguez
Siona dances and ceremonies no longer bring together as many indigenous residents, but the youngest insist on maintaining their traditions. Photo: Sergio Alejandro Melgarejo.
The area of Putumayo in Colombia – Border with Ecuador and Peru – has always been inhabited by indigenous peoples, so mediation with their authorities is essential to enter the area. This mediation has a double logic. On the one hand, Indigenous peoples are very jealous of what is happening in their territory. On the other hand, the indigenous authorities process the permit with the illegal armed groups that dominate the region and control the communities.
The Security in this area is complex and further mediated by the current dispute between two dissident factions of the former FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) who are vying for control of the country Drug trafficking route. During the journey we had to deal directly with an armed checkpoint Border commandos, which control the Putumayo River basin. Security challenges have made it difficult to treat sensitive information with identity protection agreements that go beyond not naming sources, but with sufficient precision to avoid lapsing into generalities that contribute little to understanding the area and its threats.
The research has allowed us to show a detailed panorama of the threats facing the country La Paya National Park and the communities that inhabit it. I was struck by how dense and complex the armed conflict feels in this region.
Read the report here:
La Paya: a vast jungle in Putumayo affected by drug trafficking
6. Enslavement in the protected areas of Bolivia: the reports of Iván Paredes
Iván Paredes at the waterfalls in the municipality of Jardín de las Delicias in the Amboró National Park. Photo: personal archive.
The research on Submissions in nature reserves in Bolivia led us to identify the issues in question the San Rafael Municipal Reserve and the National Park And Amboró Integrated Nature Reserve. In the latter case, we find that the main threat lies in the expansion of illegal coca leaf cultivation.
For this report we visited the southern area of the reserve, where the Garden of Delights Community has a tourism project. Two years ago this community took over the expulsion of the oppressors. access to Coca cultivation fields Due to drug trafficking in some areas of Amboró, it is complicated and very dangerous. Therefore, community members recommended not to encroach on the areas where these crops are grown.
For the special we also visited the San Rafael Municipal Reserve, where we found one Group of invaders burning forest remnants that they had cut down trees. We knew that in Bolivia there were cases of armed attackers who even shot journalists and police officers, but in this case we did not have these problems, although they denied that they were in a protected area.
Another difficulty of the research was obtaining this official data, In Bolivia, access to public information is complicated and in many cases the requested data is not provided.
Read the special here:
Attacks in Bolivia: illegal invasions damaging protected areas
7. The threats surrounding the Curare Los Ingleses reserve in Colombia: a report by Jeanneth Valdivieso
Jeanneth Valdivieso with the leaders of the Curare Los Ingleses reserve, who accompanied the team of journalists. Photo: Victor Galeano.
The area we had to reach is in what deep in the Amazon, more than 800 kilometers southeast of Bogotá, on the border with Brazil. The only way to arrive is Air and then flow. We took a scheduled flight to an intermediate town, Villavicencio, and then a charter flight to La Pedrera in the Amazonas department. From there a boat goes to the municipality of Curare, one of the two municipalities in the region Curare Los Ingleses refuge. It is an area that is difficult to access and involves high costs.
Before arriving in the area, we coordinate with the reservation representative to obtain entry approval. Upon our arrival we were greeted by representatives of the two communities of Curare and Boricada that make up the reserve. We had a meeting to explain the destination of our trip because Decisions are made togetherThat's why we needed everyone's permission to proceed. Additionally, we needed special permission from the reserve's traditional authority – the Grandfather or the Saber – to enter one Site considered sacred, in the Puerto Cayman area. The route there was necessary because it is the nature reserve of the reserve, which can only be reached via the river.
It is impressive collective work in the reserve in which all of its residents are involved, every single one of them defined roles. Although there was plenty of information about their work and the management of the reservation, no one wanted to talk about public order, safety and security issues. Presence and actions of armed groups and the illegal activities taking place in the area. In such regions it is a matter of survival.
Read the report here:
The guardians of the Amazon who must be cared for now
8. The resistance to the so-called Mayan train and the Interoceanic Corridor in Mexico: the caravan that accompanied Thelma Gómez Durán
The work of the so-called Maya Train in Section 6 in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, has devastated large parts of the Mayan jungle. Photo: Thelma Gómez Duran.
In April 2023, we traveled to and accompanied communities in the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Yucatán, Chiapas and Veracruz for 10 days Caravan El Sur Resisteorganized by citizen groups that are against the so-called Maya train and the interoceanic corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) in southeastern Mexico, iconic megaprojects of the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, for whose construction the military is responsible.
Upon arrival on Every community held a march and representatives of organizations or local residents explained why they disagree with these megaprojects. They talked about the impact this work had on them and how it was already being perceived. Changes in their territories, in ecosystems and in social dynamics. In some places the negative impacts of oil production and the development model that focuses on fossil fuels have been listed. The tour allowed us to confirm the militarization of the Yucatan Peninsula and the regions of Oaxaca and Veracruz, states where the CIIT is stationed.
We experienced that too Repression and threats face those who dare to say no to the megaprojects of the current government. A day later the caravan visited the community Mogoñé Viejo, in Oaxaca, where residents maintained an encampment to prevent the progress of railway track modernization work that is part of the CIIT, Navy and State Police personnel cleared the encampment and arrested six people, including four women. They were released two days later.
In Felipe Carrillo Puerto, one picture blew the mood away. A place that just a few days ago was home to impressive trees and the habitat of many species now looked radiant. Land without vegetation, with stones that still had one or two roots stuck to them. These wide roads, opened for the passage of a train, fragmented the jungle and marked the beginning of a time that seems uncertain for humanity Yucatan Peninsula, for your indigenous communities and for those biodiversity. This image of the shaved jungle is devastating.
Read the articles here:
Mexico: “They want to destroy us, the indigenous peoples, because we are an obstacle to these projects” | INTERVIEW
“The South Resists”: the caravan that gave a face to the resistance to the Interoceanic Corridor and the Mayan Train
9. Sierra La Macarena Park rangers explained military objectives of illegal groups in Colombia: a report by Juan Carlos Granados
Juan Carlos Granados in Sierra La Macarena Park. Photo: personal archive.
Together with Ana María Rodríguez we traveled by plane from Bogotá to La Macarenaa community that, until the signing of the peace agreement in 2016, was part of the historical areas of control of the former FARC-EP (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army), the largest guerrilla group in Colombia.
In the community we do the tour together with someone social leader The area. Some people valued maintaining anonymity for security reasons.
The most difficult part of the report was getting information about it Real estate markets and the economic dynamics that emerge within the Sierra de La Macarena ParkSince these are areas inaccessible to authorities, it was a joint effort with sources and institutions to collect sufficient information.
The investigation allowed us to verify the control exercised by the armed groups in the region and the impossibility of their work National Park Ranger and the absence of public violence in the community and on the streets. We drove the said road Cattle trail or ecological path for peace, which crosses the Sierra de La Macarena Park, and after half an hour I realized that I had not seen any police or military personnel on the road. I asked the guide my question and he replied that the only authority guarding the place was the guerrilla.
Read the report here:
Sierra de La Macarena Park: Park guards declared military targets by illegal groups are not allowed to enter the protected area
Main image: The indigenous communities of the Curare Los Ingleses reserve have organized themselves to protect the fauna and flora and to control their territory. Photo: Victor Galeano.
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