Save a River- Save a Community

Giving the Catatumbo River a Second Chance

At the headwaters of the Catatumbo River in Cúcuta, Colombia, a story of neglect and resistance is unfolding. For years, local fisheries and fishermen have been sounding the alarm as oil from an abandoned EcoPetra rig continues to pour into the waterways. What was once a thriving ecosystem and source of livelihood is now collapsing: the fish are gone, the river is poisoned, and the communities who depend on it are left in crisis.

After years of pushback, Colombia’s Supreme Court finally appointed a judge to hear the pleas of the people and of the river itself. But so far, justice has been delayed. The judge hesitates to act against corporate power, even as millions of barrels of crude oil devastate the basin.

The people of the Catatumbo are not asking for money. They are asking for action. Colombian law requires it: Decreto 1076 de 2015, Ley 2327 de 2023 — Ley de Pasivos Ambientales, and Ley 99 de 1993 all mandate impact assessments, environmental permits, monitoring, and remedial measures when ecosystems are harmed. Yet on the Catatumbo, none of this is happening.

The Federation of Artisanal Fishers (FEDEPESCAT) has already rejected ANLA’s weak response to this crisis. Instead of demanding urgent cleanup, the environmental authority has chosen delay, pushing responsibility to future studies and other institutions. For communities on the ground, that delay is a death sentence for both the river and their way of life. We will not wait!

We are acting now to keep the pressure on. On October 3rd, 2025, we will bring the story of Catatumbo to the world through a documentary, giving voice to the fishermen, the guardians of water, and the river itself. With the Ministry of Culture covering the filming crew, we only need $1,500 USD to make the gathering possible.

These funds will cover:

• Travel for representatives of each fishing association

• Food for the “Jutanza” (community gathering)

• Venue and logistical support

This documentary is the first step. A larger fundraising campaign will follow to support the legal fight and long-term protections for our Water Guardians.

Join us in giving the Catatumbo River a second chance.

Together we can help restore this sacred ecosystem and ensure justice for the communities who defend it.

If 50 people give just $30.00 we will reach our goal and create a documentary. You can say that you were a part of the creation of this film!

Give Directly via PayPal Javier Piffano

or for those in Colombia 👉 Donate here: Nequi @Fedepescat Còd: 0090779688

All funds go straight to on the ground actions!