"Gorgona's marine protected area (MPA) is at a crossroads, with the installation of a coastguard station, promoted by the Colombian navy and supported by the US government, that critics say could jeopardise 40 years of hard-won environmental progress. The 1.4m project, which is being financed by the United States, includes a pier, radar and facilities for navy personnel. It is expected to produce 587kg of waste during construction, a significant portion of which is considered hazardous."
"The purpose of this area is protection and having military personnel beside researchers and tourists contradicts this idea Prof Alan Giraldo Campaigners say Gorgona has one of the most unspoilt MPAs in the region. It is a refuge for biodiversity, as its natural reserve comprises more than 60,000 hectares (150,000 acres), a third of the area of Greater London. Before becoming a national park in 1984, it was an Alcatraz-like prison. Now, it is home to several marine species and"
A human rights leader, Luis Fernando Sanchez Caicedo, was killed when a boat carrying him and the mayor of Mosquera was fired on, an incident reportedly involving the Colombian navy and now under investigation. The attack has heightened local unease about plans to convert nearby Gorgona island into a military base. Gorgona’s marine protected area spans over 60,000 hectares and shelters significant biodiversity, including endemic species. A US-financed $1.4m coastguard project would add a pier, radar and personnel facilities and is expected to produce hazardous construction waste, raising fears of environmental damage and mission conflict.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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