Climate

Amazon communities lose water as mining and deforestation reshape rivers

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Briefings

Indigenous communities in the Peruvian and Colombian Amazon face severe water scarcity due to illegal mining and cattle ranching, forcing residents to purchase polluted water or rely on scarce sources. Analysis of satellite data over two decades reveals a direct link between deforestation for grazing and the drying of rivers like the Inambari, with local leaders expressing deep disappointment and spiritual loss. The study involves multiple international partners and scientists, but specific quantitative metrics for water volume loss remain unreported.

Key points

• Indigenous Harakmbut residents in Peru must buy polluted water from the Inambari River after illegal mining destroyed their water sources five years ago.
• Coreguaje elders in Colombia blame cattle ranching and climate change for the drying of their territory's water sources, noting near-total deforestation for pasture.

Context

This briefing summarizes findings from a Mongabay report co-authored with scientists from Brazil's Serrapilheira Institute, analyzing satellite data from over two decades. It highlights the paradox where rainforests surround Indigenous peoples, yet they cannot access usable water due to human activities.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to qualitative observations from Indigenous leaders and satellite data analysis; specific numerical data regarding water volume loss, historical water levels, or precise dates of mining activities are not provided in the source.

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