In Colombia, a coalition of environmental and Indigenous activists is mounting resistance against a far-right government's push to expand fossil fuel extraction, a move that critics say prioritizes short-term economic gains over long-term ecological stability. The administration of President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, who returned to power in 2022, has aggressively promoted oil and coal projects, particularly in the Amazon region and ancestral territories.
Escalating Conflict Over Oil and Coal
Since taking office, Uribe's government has approved at least 15 new oil and gas exploration contracts and expanded coal mining operations in the departments of La Guajira and Cesar. According to the Environmental Justice Atlas, these projects directly affect over 200,000 hectares of land, much of it belonging to Indigenous communities such as the Wayúu, Nasa, and Emberá. Activists argue that the expansion violates prior consultation laws and international agreements like the Escazú Agreement, which Colombia ratified in 2020.
"The government is trampling our rights," said María Elena Muelas, a leader of the Nasa People's Council. "They are destroying our sacred sites and poisoning our water sources. We will not stand idly by."
Indigenous and Environmental Alliances
In response, a broad front of environmental organizations, Indigenous groups, and human rights defenders has formed under the banner of the "Amazonía Viva" coalition. The group has organized marches, blockades, and legal challenges. In May 2026, they filed a lawsuit before the Constitutional Court arguing that the government's energy policy violates the precautionary principle and the right to a healthy environment. The court has yet to rule.
The resistance has also drawn international attention. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, recently urged the Colombian government to halt all extractive activities until proper consultations are held. "The situation is alarming," Calí Tzay said. "Indigenous communities are facing unprecedented threats to their survival."
Economic Pressures and Political Context
Uribe's government defends the expansion as essential for economic recovery. Colombia's economy contracted by 3.5% in 2025, and oil remains the country's largest export, accounting for 35% of total exports. The government argues that new projects will create 50,000 jobs and generate $4 billion in annual revenue. However, critics point out that the benefits are unevenly distributed, with most profits flowing to multinational corporations.
"This is a false choice between jobs and the environment," said Camila Romero, an economist at the National University of Colombia. "Investing in renewable energy would create more sustainable employment and protect the Amazon, which is a global carbon sink."
Violence and Intimidation
Activists face significant risks. According to the NGO Somos Defensores, at least 120 environmental defenders were killed in Colombia in 2025, making it the deadliest country for such activists. In the first half of 2026, 42 killings have been reported, many linked to land conflicts over mining and oil. The government has been accused of failing to protect activists, and in some cases, of colluding with paramilitary groups that intimidate and attack them.
"We live in constant fear," said Juan Carlos Pérez, a spokesperson for the Amazonía Viva coalition. "But we cannot be silenced. The future of our children and the planet depends on our resistance."
International Solidarity and Legal Avenues
The coalition has sought support from international bodies. In June 2026, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures to protect 15 Indigenous leaders in Putumayo, ordering the Colombian state to ensure their safety. Environmental groups in Europe and the United States have also launched campaigns to pressure companies like Ecopetrol and Drummond, which operate in Colombia, to respect human rights.
Meanwhile, legal strategies are advancing. In April 2026, a Colombian court ordered the suspension of a coal mining license in the Cerrejón region, pending a review of its environmental impact. The ruling was a victory for the Wayúu people, who have long fought the mine's expansion.
Looking Ahead
As the conflict intensifies, the outcome remains uncertain. The Uribe administration shows no sign of reversing course, and the 2027 presidential election could further polarize the issue. Yet activists remain resolute. "We are defending life itself," Muelas said. "No amount of oil is worth our destruction."
