Since 2015, the pier project on Gorgona Island has had an environmental license for its implementation, it seeks to “improve the coast guard station” of the Colombian National Navy, but there are criticisms of the environmental impact.
News Peaceful.
In the middle of a public hearing in Congress, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development announced that for now the construction project that seeks to improve the National Navy coast guard station on Gorgona Island is suspended.
Despite the fact that the project has the approval (license 1730) of the National Agency for Environmental Licenses, ANLA, environmental organizations insist that the damage to this ecosystem “is even greater than the benefit that can be generated.”
The controversial project began in November 2022.
However, Minister Susana Muhammad announced that from that month to date, they have held about 36 meetings with the communities.
Faced with the Gorgona project, we want to achieve a correct decision with the greatest possible social consensus. It is necessary to do the complete analysis: technical, legal, contractual and social, to make a balanced decision; also with detailed and defined information. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/iutOwtkN3t
— Susana Muhamad (@susanamuhamad) March 13, 2023
“In this Government we guarantee the Escazú Agreement, for this reason, the construction of the project on Gorgona Island has not begun,” said the minister.
He replied that, “we are listening to all the positions of the communities, scientists and activists,” Muhammad chirped.
“The environmental impact is the biggest problem for the project”
Despite the fact that the authorities maintain that it is a strategic base for maritime security and surveillance.
And that, in addition, they have carried out rigorous studies to avoid causing damage, articulated with national parks and experts.
Other voices, such as experts, environmental organizations and communities claim that they will suffer serious consequences.
“There are some irregularities in the studies, since they did not take into account animals such as whales, turtles and dolphins,” is the complaint.
The project has four components for its construction:
- A 170 meter pier.
- A communication tower with a radar on the Cerro de Trinidad.
- A third level coast guard station.
- A 5,000 gallon fuel storage tank.
Finally, from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, they emphasized the need to reach a social consensus.
«You have to do a complete analysis: technical, legal, contractual and social to make a balanced decision; also with detailed and defined information» tweeted Susana Muhammad, Minister of the Environment.
