Cuenca's Quinto Río March Mobilizes for Water Defense and Against Metallic Mining

Cuenca's central streets recently witnessed the second edition of the Quinto Río march, a significant mobilization focused on the defense of water resources and the rejection of metallic mining within the canton. Hundreds of individuals, social organizations, and public institutions united to voice their concerns and demands regarding environmental protection.

The march saw diverse participation, highlighting the broad community support for the cause. Among the participants was Laura Quituisaca, a woman of approximately 60 years, who traversed the streets with her dog Miguel, transporting him in a metallic trailer. Sebastián Cajamarca, an elderly person with a physical disability, also joined the march for the second consecutive year, demonstrating sustained commitment to the water defense movement. Children from the Centro de Desarrollo Infantil (CDI) Pacarina, accompanied by their teachers, observed the procession at the intersection of Tarqui and Sucre streets, symbolizing the intergenerational impact of the issue. Adding a unique element to the mobilization, a group of clowns from the Asociación de Payasos Profesionales del Azuay (APPA) provided moments of humor as the march proceeded along Sucre street towards Manuel Vega in the San Blas sector.

Key institutions and groups also lent their support. The universities of Cuenca and Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) participated, alongside irrigation boards, unions, guilds, public institutions, and numerous families. The presence of Marisol Peñaloza, acting mayor of Cuenca, and Alexandra Quintanilla, prefect of Azuay, accompanied by officials and employees from both institutions, underscored the official recognition and involvement in the movement.

A central action of the mobilization was the delivery of a public manifesto to the governor of Azuay, Xavier Bermúdez, addressed to President Daniel Noboa. This document outlined several critical demands. Foremost among these was the call for the definitive elimination of all mining concessions, specifically mentioning Kimsacocha and all páramos within the Cuenca canton. The manifesto also requested the definitive closure of the Río Blanco mine and the implementation of a socio-environmental remediation process, in compliance with a judicial mandate previously ratified by the Constitutional Court. Further demands included the definitive elimination of the environmental license in Quimsacocha, environmental remediation in affected areas, and social remediation. Leaders, including Lauro Sigcha of the Federación de Organizaciones Indígenas y Campesinas del Azuay (FOA), emphasized that the defense of the páramos would continue and stressed the need for ongoing support from Cuencanos and Azuayos.

The organizations based their requests on the popular will expressed in previous popular consultations. Citizens in Girón in 2019 and Cuenca in 2021 had voted on mining activity and water protection, with results indicating a strong public sentiment against metallic mining in sensitive ecological areas.

What This Means for Expats

For foreign residents in Cuenca, the Quinto Río march and its underlying issues represent a significant aspect of local civic engagement and environmental policy. The ongoing debate and public action regarding metallic mining directly impact the region's natural environment, particularly its water sources and páramos, which are vital for the local ecosystem and quality of life. Expats who value Cuenca's natural beauty, clean water, and environmental health may find these developments relevant to their long-term residency and integration into the community. The participation of local government officials, universities, and diverse community groups indicates that this is a widely supported movement, reflecting a strong local identity tied to environmental stewardship. Understanding these local dynamics can provide expats with deeper insights into the community's values and priorities, fostering a more informed perspective on their adopted home.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: AI-generated illustration.