Nélida Ayay Chilón
A Quechua farmer and lawyer from Cajamarca, Peru, has become an iconic figure in the fight for environmental preservation in the face of mining projects threatening her region's water resources. Her story is that of a woman determined to protect her land and culture against international economic interests.
Mining project threatens community water
In 2011, the mining company Yanacocha, majority-owned by the American multinational Newmont, announced the launch of the Conga project. This project involves the exploitation of a gold and copper deposit located under the Conga lagoon, a vital water source for local communities. According to the environmental impact study, the project's expected lifespan was 19 years, with production initially scheduled to begin in 2014 (Politika.io).
The implementation of this project involves the destruction of several lagoons, thus threatening the water supply of the entire Cajamarca region. Faced with this threat, Nélida actively engaged in resistance, denouncing the environmental and social risks associated with mining. She participated in demonstrations and joined the National March for Water in 2012, traveling hundreds of kilometers to Lima to raise awareness for her community's cause.Terraeco.net).
A fight that transcends borders
The fight led by Nélida and the local communities receives international recognition thanks to the documentary Daughter of the lagoon (The Girl from the Lagoon), released in 2015. This film traces his fight to protect water resources against mining interests, highlighting the challenges faced by Andean populations (Daughter of the Lagoon).
In 2016, a glimmer of hope appeared when Newmont removed the Conga project from its list of active operations, downgrading it to "mineral reserves" status. This decision was seen as a partial victory for opponents, although vigilance remained regarding a possible reactivation of the project (France Latin America).
Nélida's commitment is not limited to her region. She traveled to Colombia in 2016 to support local communities during a popular consultation on similar mining projects, sharing her experience and strengthening the bonds of solidarity between peoples fighting to defend their natural resources.Cajamarca Solidarity).
An example of resistance for the future
Nélida Ayay Chilón's story is an inspiration to all those who defend the environment and the rights of local communities. She reminds us that determination and courage can overcome the greatest challenges, and that the protection of our planet rests in the hands of those who dare to stand up for it.
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