Update from sister group A Limpiar Columbia wetland project
Mood:
a-ok
Topic: ecology
We received this email yesterday from our Spanish translator based here regarding our sister group in South America named above which translates as Clean Up Columbia. We have donated about Aust$2,700 to this group in the last 12 months or so for which we feel very proud given the useful exchange rate for them. More here: Clean Columbia help 1/06
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 9:30 AM
Subject: Timbiki Wetland
Hola Tom,
I know that your mind and hands are full with elections and so much happening at the moment, there is always something happening, but this time is crucial, it is probably because the future of the planet is at stake. I find it frustrating that it seems as if the majority of people don't understand it, and that to lessen our impact on what is sustaining us, the natural environment, can't be business as usual. 
Picture: Pauline Azcarate- Castro, lead organiser of A Limpiar Columbia in Palmira.
Anyway, Paulina sent another report of her activities in restoring the Wetland, I even spoke to her on the phone this week. The situation as you know it is not better there, the group is fighting against big influencing landlords and multinationals, so from death threats, to bad publicity, you name it, they are going ahead with the plan to restore and recuperate the wetland. The area is dominated by sugar cane plantations which have destroyed the rivers and wetlands, so the small farmers have been left without water and their livelihood, so what they are doing now is fighting back to restore the area and praying for rain.
I will translate the report, it is around two to three pages and will send it soon, in the meantime I am forwarding the photographs, including wetland, members of the Foundation, farmers and local school students whom they are trying to educate and get them and their families on the project's side.
My arm and hand have improved a lot, getting better everyday, however, it is taking a long time to recover, and might take a year to get back the full strength, with patience and perseverance all we get there!
Take care and all the best
Amparo
[Pictures with the email update follow]
Posted by editor
at 5:01 PM NZT
Updated: Monday, 26 March 2007 8:33 PM NZT
