VILLA CALETA, Panama (AP) – The Comarca Embera people, who have lived alongside the Turquesa River for centuries, are witnessing alarming environmental changes due to a migratory crisis. This river, flowing from the Darien Gap—a remote area that was largely undisrupted until recently—has become tainted by litter, gasoline, and fecal matter left by 1.2 million vulnerable migrants who navigated through this biodiverse rainforest in search of a better life.
Although migration through the Darien Gap has decreased significantly since its peak in 2021, families in the Villa Caleta community now express concern about water safety. Reports indicate that the river's fish, a primary food source, emit a strong fuel odor due to the migrant boats. Additionally, the encroachment of criminal groups in the area has exacerbated issues, leading to illegal gold mining and deforestation, further endangering the local ecosystem.
Authorities and local residents assert that the humanitarian crisis has also precipitated an environmental disaster that will take years to rectify. Militza Olea, a 43-year-old local resident, highlighted the polluted state of the water, revealing that her young nephew developed red sores after bathing in it. “Everyone climbs out of the river with hives on their skin, especially the children,” she noted, showing concern about the impact of the pollution.
As a result of the significant human activity, around 2,500 tons of trash were left behind in the Darien Gap, with an estimated cleanup cost of approximately $12 million. During peak migration periods, up to 3,000 individuals per day traversed the Turquesa River, leaving behind foam mats, tattered clothing, backpacks, and plastic bottles now littering the waterways.
Juan Carlos Navarro, the Panamanian Environmental Minister, has placed blame on the American government, specifically the Trump administration, for the environmental degradation, suggesting that the U.S. should help fund the cleanup since most migrants intended to reach the U.S. He expressed frustration that while $3 million was promised by the Biden administration in January, funds under the Trump administration never materialized.
Tests conducted on the river revealed alarming contamination levels, including high amounts of fecal coliform bacteria, typically indicative of human waste. Local leaders report that decomposing bodies have also been found floating in the water. The urgency for further testing is paramount, although journalists have faced obstacles accessing certain areas due to police blockades, complicating the assessment of the water's current state.
The Embera community, consisting of around 12,000 people, has long relied on fertile lands deep in Panama's southern jungle. As symptoms of pollution began to manifest—specifically rashes on their skin—residents like Olea have resorted to spending money intended for necessities on expensive antibiotic creams, while access to clean drinking water remains precarious. Olea expressed concern about upcoming dry seasons and the sufficiency of their water supply, emphasizing the necessity of a clean river for survival.
Food insecurity also looms large, particularly with diminishing fish populations affected by pollution. Community leader Cholino de Gracia stated, “We can’t fish anymore because you’d practically be eating a fish full of gasoline.” Additionally, the arrival of criminal groups such as the Gulf Clan has intensified land exploitation for coca cultivation and illegal mining activities that poison local environments with mercury and cyanide. These activities have contributed to a resurgence of deforestation in the area, notably increasing following years of decline.
Navarro characterized the state of the ecosystem as one of "environmental anarchy," advocating for urgent measures to protect the region’s biodiversity. He declared that the past disturbances had irreparably impacted community life. However, leaders like De Gracia criticize the government for its failure to address pollution sufficiently and for not developing the region in a manner conducive to recovery.
As residents grapple with the ongoing threats to health and sustenance, Olea voiced a poignant reminder of their vital needs. “Without water, there’s no life here,” she stated, underscoring the dire implications of continued environmental neglect for the future of Villa Caleta.
