Colombia’s Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, accompanied by her counterparts from the portfolios of Commerce and Defense, revealed Monday a crucial decision that will significantly impact the future of Gorgona National Natural Park – PNN Gorgona.
Muhamad presented an ambitious plan involving the construction of a 132-meter dock by the Defense Ministry. This initiative, aimed at alleviating the park’s current accessibility challenges, received approval. Muhamad also emphasized, however, that construction would adhere to “strict measures due to potential impacts on marine mammals”.
In a move to address concerns about the dock’s new location, Rodrigo Negrete, director of the Environmental Licencing Authority (ANLA) highlighted that access would be restricted during the humpback whale season (May to October), demonstrating a commitment to environmental preservation. The radar project, another focal point of contention, took an unexpected turn as Muhamad announced that the national government had reached “an agreement with the United States Embassy not to finance the radar”.
Instead, the Defense Ministry will shoulder the financial burden, emphasizing the radar’s role in boosting security and monitoring illicit activities in the Pacific ocean. In a significant shift towards renewable energy sources, Muhamad stated that the island’s precarious infrastructure will gradually be powered by alternative energies from the existing hydroelectric plant within the park to solar panels in the future.
This sustainable approach aligns with broader global efforts to minimize environmental impact. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez reiterated the exclusive management of the radar by the National Navy – Armada – assuring that “No North American military presence or control will be involved.” This clarification aimed to address concerns regarding potential foreign influence in the marine biosphere. Despite these assurances, local residents of Gorgona and environmentalists have express ed apprehension about the potential threats to marine biodiversity with the military upgrade.
PNN Gorgona has been at the center of many debates extending over a decade, initially triggered by an attack in 2014 by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla that prompted the Defense Ministry’s request for permits to construct a coast guard substation. The subsequent environmental license was expedited within a month, fueling opposition from various sectors, including environmentalists, academics, and local communities. The controversy escalated with the government’s recent confirmation of the military project, including the construction of a coast guard station that will house 28 members of the National Navy members.
This decision has also reignited public scrutiny and intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the potential environmental repercussions to a sanctuary that also is home to migrating birds. Colombian President Petro appears to have taken a stance in its commitment to national sovereignty, more security along the Pacific litoral, and fight against drug trafficking and environmental crimes.
Minister Velásquez also emphasized that the coast guard station on PNN Gorgona will have enhanced control capabilities as part of national conservation and security objectives. But finding the balance between military objectives and greater environmental conservation remains a contentious issue among lawmakers, and any development with Gorgona National Natural Park, is set to raise the national debate regarding the government’s most recent intervention in a protected parkland and endangered biosphere.
