'Ecocide' in Guatemala's Pasion River Remains Unpunished

It has been more than a year since the contamination of Guatemala’s Pasion River, which impacted more than 185 kilometers downstream from the source of contamination, impacting the livelihoods of more than 22,000 people.

RELATED:
Impact of 'Ecocide' in Guatemala's Pasion River Runs Deep

The Pasion River was declared an ecological disaster after it was severely contaminated by an industrial pesticide used for the production of African oil palm, a chemically intensive crop grown as a monoculture.

But to date, no criminal charges have been filed against the company responsible, Spanish refinery, Reforestadora of Palmas de El Peten, Anómima Society, or REPSA.

The runoff has affected as many as 117 families, virtually all of them poor, and whose chief resource is the river. Without access to the river, many have also lost their homes, said Evaristo Carmenate, leader of the local fishermen.

WATCH: Brazil: $66 Million Preliminary Fine for Mining Companies

Although the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has issued two administrative penalties against REPSA, there has been no compensation for the victims of the contamination.

RELATED:
Guatemalan Court Upholds Ruling Against Palm Oil Company for 'Ecocide'

Rafael Maldonado, representative of the Legal Action Center, Environmental and Social Guatemala, CALAS, denounced possible "influence peddling and illegalities" from the Appeals Chamber.

Yuri Melini, also from CALAS, suspects that the REPSA has paid to expedite actions in their favor.

REPSA has denied any wrongdoing.

Raul Maas, Guatemala Environmental Observatory said the investigation must uncover the cause of the thousands of fish that have been killed as a result of the contamination.

Last year the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guatemala recommended compensation for those affected.