Capirona Sings for its Rivers Amidst Gold Mining Devastation

The Kichwa community of Capirona in Ecuador's Amazon is fighting to protect their rivers, territory, and way of life from gold mining pollution. The Puní River, which has provided water, food, and life for generations, is now poisoned by mercury used by miners upstream.

Alicia, a local leader, explained that 'I do not like food from other places. I love our fish. I want to wash our clothes in the river and get them clean. That is not possible anymore.' The community has lost their traditional activities such as swimming and washing clothes in the river.

Capirona is responding by organizing collectively, keeping their culture and connection to their territory alive, strengthening local economies, and finding new ways to make their voices heard. They have released a song titled 'Capirona' to share their story with the world.