The investigation highlights the devastating impact of Ecopetrol's operations on local ecosystems and communities.
**Alarming Revelations of Oil Pollution by Ecopetrol in Colombia**
**Alarming Revelations of Oil Pollution by Ecopetrol in Colombia**
A whistleblower exposes hidden environmental atrocities by the Colombian state energy firm.
A former employee has blown the whistle on Colombian oil giant Ecopetrol's extensive pollution, unveiling years of hidden environmental violations. The whistleblower, Andrés Olarte, states that data from 1989 to 2018 reveals over 800 contaminated sites, many of which were never reported to authorities. The BBC's investigation highlights deteriorating conditions surrounding the Magdalena River and its tributaries, where local fishing communities claim oil spills are severely impacting wildlife and their livelihoods.
Despite claims of compliance and sustainability practices, the whistleblower asserts that Ecopetrol has a troubled history with environmental oversight. He joined the company in 2017 as a CEO adviser, quickly recognizing alarming pollution data that seemed to be obscured from public view. Following his departure in 2019, Olarte provided the Environmental Investigation Agency and BBC with extensive data from Ecopetrol's servers, including a list of "unresolved environmental impacts" indicating that oil pollution lingered for over a decade in some areas.
Local residents report dramatic declines in fauna, from manatees to caimans, further corroborated by a worrying string of dead wildlife found in the waterways. While the company claims to have efficient waste treatment systems, community members describe thicker-than-normal oily residues floating on the water's surface, a clear sign of contamination from industrial activities.
Ecopetrol's leadership denies claims of concealing pollution and attributes many spills to sabotage by illegal armed groups, yet evidence shows that these incidents are sporadic. The BB's data connects the company to hundreds of spills since 2020, questioning the efficacy of the firm's pollution management strategy.
Threats against Olarte and local activists highlight the dangerous reality for environmental defenders in Colombia, where armed groups are known to persecute those who challenge corporate practices. Reports indicate that between 79 and 123 environmental defenders were killed in Colombia in 2023 alone.
Ecopetrol's CEO from 2017 to 2023, Felipe Bayón, emphasized the firm's commitment to sustainability but faced scrutiny regarding private security operations that may have connections with paramilitary groups. As the threats against Olarte and fellow activists continue, the necessity for accountability and transparency within Ecopetrol grows clearer.
Despite the considerable risks involved, community members remain resolute, asserting the importance of their environmental advocacy, and Olarte continues to challenge Ecopetrol's practices while calling for increased protection for those dedicated to safeguarding Colombia’s ecosystems. As Olarte noted succinctly, he acts in defense of his home, land, and people, highlighting the precarious balance between environmental stewardship and the urgent need for economic development in a resource-rich nation.
