The unsustainable management of drylands, combined with droughts and climate change, accelerates desertification, giving rise to humanitarian crises attributable to water and food scarcity in communities.
In Venezuela, the semi-arid region of Lara state has been subjected in recent years to enormous pressure due to the extraction of natural resources by companies promoted or supported by local governments that fail to follow environmental criteria.
The objective of this report is to understand the current environmental situation of the semi-arid region of Lara State, as well as the impacts that exploitation activities may have on the human rights of the population in this area of the country.
Two situations were found that are potentially accelerating the desertification of the region: Deforestation generated by the extraction of wood for the production of charcoal, cocuy and crafts and the impacts of silica extraction on local water bodies.
The analysis reveals that the pressure exerted by these activities directly aggravates desertification and environmental degradation in the region.
Furthermore, the available information does not support the claims of companies and government officials that the exploitation activities follow sustainable environmental criteria.
The environmental degradation generated by the exploitation of natural resources is causing serious harm to the local population and their human rights.
Faced with this situation, the Venezuelan State is failing to comply with its obligations regarding environmental conservation, the protection of citizens and the defense of human rights.
Additionally, a problem of environmental justice is arising from this situation as environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poorest segment of the population.
Based on these findings, a series of recommendations is proposed to the Venezuelan State:
Declare an emergency in the area; Eradicate extractivism from the State’s economic policy; Update and implement the National Plan to Combat Desertification and Drought, and Strengthen the actions necessary to meet SDG 15.
Furthermore, it is urgent to conduct judicial investigations to establish the possible commission of environmental crimes in the area and during the granting of exploitation permits.
Establishing programs to ensure decent livelihoods for residents currently engaging in resource exploitation activities is strongly advised, as well as strengthening the institutions of the State agencies tasked with desertification management strategies and promoting scientific research in the field.
Lastly, the Venezuelan State is urged to guarantee access to environmental information as a first step towards the signing and ratification of the Escazú Agreement.
You can access the full report below.
