How Much Does the Escazú Agreement Benefit Colombia?

Environmental attorneys José Vicente Zapata and María Camila Aponte were interviewed by 360 Radio about the impact of the ratification of the Escazú Agreement in Colombia. They highlighted the importance of the agreement in fostering community participation and expanding the socialization of projects with communities, but also warned about the challenges of balancing this increased participation with the need to develop projects sustainably and the risk of facing more obstacles than benefits if discussions are prolonged.

"If we end up embroiled in the same discussions that we have today with prior consultation, we could be facing more obstacles than benefits," advised Mr. Zapata.

"We already see how not only the Courts, but also the administrative authorities, base their decisions on Escazú, trying to intensify access to these rights a little more," said Ms. Aponte.

READ: How Much Does the Escazú Agreement Benefit Colombia?