Colombia’s Barrancabermeja: A Paradise Lost to Oil, Armed Groups, and a Fight for Survival
Standing on a wooden canoe, Yuly Velásquez hacks away at reeds choked with blackened sludge – a grim reality in the San Silvestre wetlands near Barrancabermeja, Colombia. This once-thriving biodiversity hotspot, home to endangered manatees, jaguars, and river turtles, is rapidly becoming a “death zone,” as locals describe it, poisoned by oil leaks and terrorized by armed groups.
The Toxic Legacy of Ecopetrol
For decades, Barrancabermeja, Colombia’s largest oil town, has grappled with the environmental consequences of oil production. Ecopetrol, the state-owned refinery producing 80% of the nation’s fuel (around 250,000 barrels daily), has faced accusations of releasing oil and toxic waste into the surrounding waterways. A report published last year, based on leaked files known as the Iguana Papers, identified over 800 instances of “major environmental damage” caused by Ecopetrol, primarily between the mid-1990s and mid-2010s. The company maintains it complies with Colombian law and has invested in environmental protection, but the damage is undeniable.
Local farmer Ronaldo Martínez has witnessed the devastating impact firsthand. “We’ve had about 30 buffalo die on us in the last five years,” he says, explaining that the animals drink contaminated water. Fishermen report finding fish that “taste like oil” after spills, and the once-abundant wildlife is dwindling. Luis Carlos Lambraño, a fisherman for 37 years, describes finding “hundreds of fish, snakes, birds, turtles and caimans” dead after overnight pollution events.
The Rise of Armed Groups and Pipeline Theft
Adding to the environmental crisis is the growing presence of illegal armed groups. These groups are increasingly involved in stealing fuel by hacking into pipelines, causing further leaks and contamination. “Every single day they steal the gasoline,” says Yuly Velásquez, president of Fedepesan, a sustainable fishing organization. “They collect it in these massive plastic bags – when they break, which has happened at least twice, it spills into all of the water.”
The situation has become so dangerous that 26 fishing families were forcibly displaced in February 2025 due to threats from these groups. Velásquez herself has faced repeated attacks, including three assassination attempts, and receives constant threats for her activism. “You don’t mess with the armed groups. If you don’t listen, they will kill you,” she warns.
A Community Under Siege
The intimidation extends to everyday life for fishermen like Eñi Salazar, who has fished the wetlands for over six decades. She has been repeatedly threatened and had her equipment seized by armed men. The constant fear has led approximately 100 fishermen to abandon their livelihoods.
Amnesty International has documented a “permanent atmosphere of harassment” for fishing families in Barrancabermeja, including extortion and forced displacement. Colombia remains one of the most dangerous countries globally for land and environmental defenders, accounting for a third of all documented lethal attacks.
The Fight for Survival and a Future for Barrancabermeja
Despite the immense challenges, the community remains resilient. Velásquez and Fedepesan are actively monitoring the waterways, documenting pollution, and lobbying for accountability. They’ve created a network of fishers who report incidents and receive support. However, they emphasize the need for greater government action and international cooperation.
“We want to be left alone to live in peace,” Velásquez states, “and to truly be able to enjoy our marsh, our river, day and night, without limits or restrictions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ecopetrol’s response to the pollution allegations? Ecopetrol maintains it fully complies with Colombian law and has invested in environmental protection measures.
- What are the main threats facing the fishing community in Barrancabermeja? The community faces threats from oil pollution, illegal armed groups involved in pipeline theft, and intimidation tactics.
- What is Fedepesan doing to address the crisis? Fedepesan is monitoring the waterways, documenting pollution, lobbying for accountability, and supporting affected fishermen.
- How dangerous is Colombia for environmental defenders? Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for land and environmental defenders, accounting for a third of all documented lethal attacks.
Pro Tip: Supporting organizations like Amnesty International and Earthworks can help amplify the voices of those on the front lines of environmental and human rights struggles.
Did you know? The manatee was once considered a guardian spirit of the San Silvestre wetlands, but its population is now on the brink of collapse due to pollution.
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