By Deborah Payne
The “Santa Marta Water Defenders” have long stood for the protection of El Salvador’s natural resources. These individuals, however, have faced political persecution and jail time in an effort to suppress their voices. ADES, a partner of CoCoDA, continues to fight for justice for these individuals while leaning into the work of a safer, healthier El Salvador.
In June of 2023, a small team of CoCoDA delegates visited with the staff of ADES at their offices in Cabañas, El Salvador. The meeting was like many others, reviewing current projects, discussing bio-gardens, and management of the solar powered water system in Santa Marta.
There was, however, an edge of concern that remained on the brow of Antonio Pacheco, long time leader of ADES. Pacheco, also known as Chico, reflected that with the new regime of Nayib Bukele, new policies were being put in place that allowed the government to act through a state of emergency to arrest its own citizens in the name of public safety.
“These same policies were used during the war, exploiting the rights of citizens…”
Antonio Pacheco, Past ADES President
…he shared. He held great concern for what could unfold.
Only four months later, Chico’s concerns were manifested when he and four other comrades from Santa Marta, were arrested, held on the premise that they had been associated with a crime from some 30 years prior. The real purpose of the arrests, however, became evident when Bukele announced plans to strike down a 2017 ban on metal mining. The defendants had prominent involvement in advocating for the ban, a landmark policy that committed to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources. Bukele sought to oppress any opposition to the change in policy.
The five were held in prison for over 8 months followed by house arrest for an additional 17 months. Although a court declared them innocent last October, 2024, the Attorney General appealed for a retrial to be held in a court that would likely result in a new conviction. Concerns arose that a second conviction and additional prison time would be considered a death sentence for the aging community leaders who did not receive proper medical care in prison.
Jim Mulholland, CoCoDA Executive Director shared,
“During this time CoCoDA and many other international allies organized to support both the five men, but also their families and the ADES organization. We were able to raise over $50,000 to support the legal fees, organizational expenses and even the bail required from the men to be freed by prison. We organized petition campaigns, interacted with US congressional representatives and made certain these injustices were highlighted in international media.”
Jim Mulholland, CoCoDA Executive Director
The Cabañas region has a rich history of activism against mining, spearheaded by grassroots organizations like ADES, a long term partner of CoCoDA. These groups argue that mining activities threaten to contaminate vital water sources and devastate ecosystems that are central to their way of life.
Officials who voted for the new law argue that government control is designed to prevent private industry from taking advantage of El Salvador’s natural resources. However, the country has only one major watershed, the Lempa River, that provides over 60% of the country’s freshwater. Cyanide and other chemicals commonly used in mining could lead to a water crisis if not dealt with properly.
While the mining ban was ultimately struck down, the Santa Marta water defenders remain at large, opting to not participate in the retrial for fear of an unjust outcome. In a letter to the court describing the reasoning, ADES shared,
“Due to this lack of guarantees of respect for their integrity and their lives, they decided not to validate any longer a flawed process carried out by a judicial system co-opted by the government of the day, and at the service of the extractive interests that are behind the reactivation of metal mining.”
ADES letter to the court
As the legal processes unfold, the outcome of this situation will likely have significant ramifications on the future of environmental policy and activism in the region.
“For the people of Santa Marta, this conflict is not merely about stopping mining; it’s about asserting their right to a clean and safe environment. As El Salvador navigates these complex issues, CoCoDA will continue to raise support and awareness for the Santa Marta five, water defenders that have dedicated their lives to the health and wellbeing of El Salvador’s citizens.”
Deborah Payne, CoCoDA Executive Director Elect
If you would like to support ADES and the water defenders, you can make a donation to CoCoDA with “water defenders” in the memo line.
🔍 Read more:
No comments yet.