Reflections on the environmental impacts of the hydroelectric megaproject “El Quimbo”: The case of artisanal fishermen in El Hobo, Huila (Colombia)

Abstract

The effects resulting from the construction and implemen­tation of hydroelectric megaprojects generate enormous environmental liabilities, which manifest themselves in the deterioration of communities’ livelihoods and in irreversible damage to ecosystems. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the problems faced by the community of artisanal fishermen in the municipality of El Hobo (Huila, Colombia), who have been victims of the impacts generated by the El Quimbo hydroelectric megaproject. Using qualitative and quantitative methods —including interviews, literature review and fieldwork—it was possible to understand how the dominant economic and social powers have created new forms of dispossession of the local population, and to identify conflicts between these powers and new forms of resistance exercised by communities trying to defend their terri­tory. The article concludes with a critical analysis of possible scenarios for dealing with these conflicts.