The potential contamination of the Putumayo River following the sinking of a vessel on September 18 in the Nueva Montepa area, within the jurisdiction of Puerto Leguízamo (Colombia), has raised concerns among Indigenous and riverside communities that depend on this river for food, transportation, economic activities, and daily life.
According to preliminary information released by the Provincial Municipality of Putumayo, the accident reportedly caused the spill of approximately 3,000 gallons of ACPM (diesel) and 15 gallons of oil into the Putumayo River. In light of this situation, communities and local authorities have expressed concern about the potential impacts on water quality and ecosystems.
The Putumayo River is a vital resource for numerous towns and communities on both sides of the border between Colombia and Peru. In areas such as San Antonio del Estrecho and its surrounding communities, the river serves as an essential source of water, food, transportation, and livelihood.
Therefore, given the potential impact, it is essential to have technical information that allows for determining the actual scope of the incident and taking the necessary measures in a timely manner to protect the populations and the ecosystem.
Monitoring and Assessment Actions
In response to alerts received from communities and local authorities, Peru’s Environmental Assessment and Enforcement Agency (OEFA) conducted assessment activities in San Antonio del Estrecho. These included field inspections, water sampling, and aerial monitoring, as well as the collection of information provided by authorities and the local population.
For its part, the Provincial Municipality of Putumayo reported that it had conducted water and sediment sampling, including in the Sábalo Creek.
The results of these assessments will be crucial for determining the river’s condition and establishing, based on technical evidence, the appropriate measures to prevent or mitigate potential impacts.
Listening to Communities and Ensuring Transparency
In light of this situation, the Church in the Amazon shares the concerns expressed by the communities and supports efforts aimed at understanding and responding to any potential impact on the river.
In this context, it is essential that the assessment process proceed with transparency, institutional coordination, and the participation of the communities directly affected.
Among the priority actions are:
- Continue monitoring the water quality, sediments, and ecosystems associated with the Putumayo River.
- Clearly and promptly communicating the results of the analyses conducted by the relevant institutions.
- Informing and listening to the communities during the various stages of the process, ensuring they are aware of potential risks and the measures taken.
- Strengthening coordination between the authorities in Colombia and Peru, taking into account the transboundary nature of the river and the interdependence of the communities living along its banks.
- Adopt the necessary protective and response measures to safeguard the water, ecosystems, and livelihoods of the affected populations.
The Putumayo: A Source of Life for Amazonian Peoples
This situation once again highlights the deep relationship between Amazonian peoples and the rivers that flow through their territories.
The Putumayo is not merely a transportation route: it is a source of water, food, biodiversity, culture, and livelihood for numerous indigenous and riverside communities.
From the perspective of integral ecology, protecting the river also means protecting the lives and dignity of those who depend on its waters. Listening to the voices of communities, ensuring transparent information, and acting responsibly in the face of potential risks are fundamental steps toward caring for our Common Home.
CEAMA will continue, in accordance with its ecclesial mission, to stand in solidarity with the concerns of Amazonian communities and to highlight the need to care for water, protect territories, and defend the lives of the peoples who inhabit the Amazon.
The Putumayo is not just a river: it is life, territory, food, and a path for the Amazonian peoples. Caring for it is also caring for life.