1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Colombia: Activists defend nature despite repeated threats

20:25

This browser does not support the video element.

December 8, 2025

Fisher Yuli Velásquez is standing up to oil companies, corruption, and violence in Colombia. But she refuses to give up her perilous fight for the environment.

In Colombia's Middle Magdalena Valley, activist and fisherwoman Yuli Velásquez is challenging powerful interests and risking her life protesting against pollution of local wetlands and rivers that she links to oil and gas giant EcoPetrol. Her campaigning has exposed her to repeated threats, including from local paramilitary groups who want control of the waterways.

Yet she continues to fight against environmental damage and corruption, and for the rights of fishing communities. She and her fellow protestors have won a provisional court order demanding regular water assessments, gaining international recognition for their struggle.

For more like this, follow this link

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW