The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has put in public consultation A resolution project that seeks to declare a temporary reserve area of renewable natural resources in the Southwest Antioquia. Citizens may submit observations and comments until March 7 on the official website of the entity.
(Read: Minister Muhamad asks to protect wetlands to better face the climatic crisis)
This measure seeks to protect an extension of 37,365 hectares in the municipalities of Jericho, Thames, Valparaíso, Santa Barbara, Fredonia and La Pintadawhile studies are developed to evaluate the conditions of the aquifer and guarantee the preservation of natural resources in the region.
The Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Susana Muhamad, explained that this initiative is the result of 18 months of joint work with Local authorities, peasant communities and environmental organizations.
(See also: What happened to the discussion of the Decree of Temporary Reserve Areas)
“This temporary reserve would occupy 37,000 hectares and what do you intend to protect? A fundamental resource: the tropical dry forest, which is adherent to the Cauca River, but also depends on underground water and seven supplier basins. 10,000 rural inhabitants in the area currently depend on this water”Muhamad explained. In addition, he stressed that 55% of the territory of this subregion has forest vocation and 30% is of agricultural vocation.
The initiative also responds to the need to protect the water sources of the region against the expansion of extractive activities. According to the minister, “88% of the critical properties for aquifer recharge and strategic basins for the population are overlapped with mining titles that could cause irreversible damage” Consequently, during the validity of the declaration, the environmental and mining authorities may not grant new mining concessions or permits for the exploration or exploitation of minerals.
(Read more: Pozo Sirius (formerly Uchuva-2) will finish drilling and then suspends activities)
Citizens may submit observations and comments until next March 7
Courtesy
The declaration of the reserve zone will be valid for two years, a period in which detailed technical studies will be carried out to determine the compatibility of mining activities with the conservation of the ecosystems of the region. Nevertheless, The measure will not affect the projects that already have a mining title, environmental licenses and other current technical instruments.
(See also: Attorney’s Office asks Minambiente to revoke Juan Amarillo and Jaboque wetlands)
“This does not affect owners who already have a mining title, environmental license and work plan and approved works; They can continue their work. Nor does it affect agricultural activity or other economic activities”Muhamad clarified.
With the opening of the public consultation, it is expected to collect contributions from the community and interested actors before the final expedition of the resolution. Comments and suggestions may be presented through the Portal of the Ministry of Environment until March 7.
