This is the municipality of El Molino, in the south of the department of La Guajira, which presented contamination due to explosive devices, and where in previous years two civilian victims were reported hit by anti-personnel mines.
The intervention carried out by soldiers of the Humanitarian Demining Engineer Battalion No. 7 began in 2023, when the Corral, Orejeros, San Benito, Farias, Los Tamacos, Ilusiones, La Montaña, Potrerito, Catatumbo sectors, the urban area and the Campo Alegre and El Molino indigenous communities, of the Cariachil ethnic group, were investigated; as well as the community councils Ramón José Bolaño Gonzales, Monche; Teófilo Rojas Bolaños, Popito, and the Afros del Molino Towards the Future and Asonerazpa; the ancestral community council of the Black Roots people Caciquillo and Voladorcito, Julio Cesar Checha Gonzalez and the Afro, Negras, Raizales and Palanqueras Association- La Palangana youth council.
On the other hand, the strategic ecosystems of the nation, such as the Cerro Pintao Regional Natural Park (PNR), the Regional Management District (DRMI) and the Soil Conservation District (DCS), which make up the Serranía del Perijá, were also decontaminated of suspected explosive devices thanks to the tasks of the humanitarian demining of Colombian National Army. So, these natural spaces that house water wealth, fauna and flora typical of the region, will be suitable again for their strengthening and sustainable use, as well as for the execution of productive activities and compatible ecotourism.
In addition to carrying out non-technical studies to declare the municipality free of mine contamination, the promoters provided education and training on the risk of anti-personnel mines, promoting a culture of safe behaviors to reduce the risk of accidents by explosive devices in the municipality of El Molino. This is how about 600 people, including men, women, boys and girls, have attended the workshops and participated in the Nata Desmina puppet strategy.
Source: Press – Humanitarian Demining Brigade
