Since 2015, the dock project on Gorgona Island has had an environmental license for its realization, however, environmental organizations warn that it could cause serious “problems” in that region.
Colombia News.
The construction of the dock by the National Navy on Gorgona Island, which is part of the protected areas of the country, and has been a topic discussed by environmental organizations and leaders, despite the calls and requests, the work has continued. .
Despite the fact that the project has the approval (license 1730) of the National Environmental Licensing Agency, ANLA, environmental organizations insist that the damage to this ecosystem is even greater than the benefit that can be generated.
No more studies
“There are some irregularities in the studies, since they did not take into account animals such as whales, turtles and dolphins,” is the complaint.
They affirm that “we are going to have oil spills that will affect the corals,” said Juan Armando Sánchez, Marine Biologist.
On the other hand, the authorities maintain that it is a strategic base for maritime security and surveillance.
And also, if they have carried out rigorous studies to avoid causing damage, articulated with national parks and experts.
“The Navy is not only focused on counteracting drug trafficking phenomena, but illegal fishing, flora, fauna, and illegal mining are also counteracted in the Pacific, and this project is strategic for that,” said Javier Bermúdez, Captain of the army.
In addition Bermúdez added, “that it is a modular dock that is going to be built on the continent, it is going to be brought and installed.”
They assure that “it will have great benefits not only for the Navy, but for the entire population in general that visits the island.”
The PNN Gorgona scientific committee concluded in 2017 that there were no rigorous studies to consider the project viable.
An impact build
And although its construction may be only a few square meters, “the value of having an island free of construction, especially a Natural Park, is practically incalculable,” they point out.
Construction work is expected to start again in January 2023.
While communities and environmental leaders hope that the work will not finally be carried out.
Gorgona National Natural Parkis one of the most important in the country and recognized “for its good management in the conservation of natural resources”.
However, according to the Navy, it is also located on the road between Buenaventura and Tumaco.
In this area of the Pacific, drug trafficking routes between Colombia and Central America have been detected, and for this reason they propose to strengthen military surveillance.
EYE I visited #islagorgona I saw staff doing a study for this pier, which is not necessary as it would destroy a lot of reefs. @petrogustavo @susanamuhamad @FranciaMarquezM @MinAmbienteCo #Savemosagogona https://t.co/vMFl7ReqvL
— Alexander Rodriguez (@alexanimato) October 26, 2022
