Categories
The “Global Witness Briefing – Scarred for Life” report from May 2023 details the environmental and health impacts of a landfill in Santander, Colombia. Since 2015, the landfill, owned by French company Veolia since 2019, has caused severe pollution, affecting local biodiversity and residents’ health. Issues include toxic waste leakage into water sources, leading to mass fish die-offs and health problems like asthma and birth defects in the local community. Despite Veolia’s claims of improvements, ongoing evidence from local groups indicates persistent environmental damage and health hazards. The report also highlights the threats faced by those opposing the landfill, underscoring the broader issue of environmental defenders’ safety in Colombia.
