In the depths of the **Bolivian Amazon**, where the jungle hides ancient stories and traditions, the indigenous communities esse eja and tacana face a crisis that transcends generations. Nature, revered as a mother, is being poisoned by an invisible enemy: **mercury in the rivers**.
## Impact of Mercury in the Rivers
This metal, used in gold mining, has contaminated the **waters of the Beni River** and the fish that are the **foundation of their diet**. This has transformed their way of life into a struggle for survival.
“The truth is that we are worried, the pollution affects us, the animals, and the fish that live in the water,” says Saúl Vargas, leader of the Tacana community of Loreto.
Vargas’ voice reflects desperation and anger. The effects of mercury in his community include headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. Despite these dangers, the communities have no choice but to continue **fishing in the contaminated river**.
Oscar Campanini, director of the Center for Documentation and Information Bolivia (Cedib), confirms that at least **18 communities are affected**. The problem not only impacts humans but also birds and fish.
## Hunger and Desperation
Mercury contamination adds to a **logistical and social crisis** in Bolivia. Political conflict prevents the supply of fuel for fishing boats, forcing communities to change their **eating habits**. This has led many to reduce their diet to rice and cassava.
“This is breaking the traditional order of our lives,” explains Alfredo Zaconeta, a researcher at the Center for Labor and Agrarian Development Studies (Cedla).
## Insufficient Laws for Protection
Public policies have not been sufficient to **protect the communities**. The regulations governing mining in Bolivia are ambiguous and favor mining cooperatives with political ties.
The Minamata Convention, an international treaty designed to protect against mercury, has not been effectively implemented in practice.
“There is no **adequate control of mercury use**,” says Zaconeta, highlighting the increase in mercury imports over the past decade.
## Resistance and Fight for Justice
Despite adversity, **indigenous communities** continue to fight. Leaders like Saúl Vargas and Borja Peralta continue to denounce the lack of justice and demand solutions. Their efforts seek to preserve not only their lives but also their **culture and relationship with nature**.
“We are alone,” says Vargas, but in their solitude, there is a silent resistance.
Mercury not only **pollutes the water**, it is affecting the very essence of these communities. Every day, the threat grows, leaving these communities trapped between hunger and poison, waiting for a change that seems increasingly distant.
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