Catherine Ellis, a business reporter, is reporting from La Guajira, Colombia, where José Luis Iguarán expresses how the sound of the wind turbines disrupts his dreams. The Wayuu indigenous group, to which Mr. Iguarán belongs, has been living in the region for centuries, engaging in traditional activities like herding goats, farming, salt mining, and fishing. La Guajira, known for its strong winds, has become a focal point for Colombia’s transition to renewable energy.
Despite the benefits of renewable energy projects like the Guajira 1 wind farm, there are concerns among locals about the impact on their culture and traditions. Aaron Laguna, a Wayuu fisherman, highlights issues such as lack of transparency, inadequate compensation, and cultural disrespect in negotiations with energy companies. These concerns have led to conflicts within Wayuu communities and disputes with energy firms.
The Wayuu’s spiritual connection to nature, specifically the wind, is at odds with the profit-driven approach of energy companies and the government. While wind energy is seen as a resource for environmental progress and profit, the Wayuu view the winds as sacred beings that must be respected. The cultural gap between the Wayuu and the energy companies has led to tensions and conflicts in La Guajira.
As Colombia seeks to expand its renewable energy sector, companies like AES Colombia are investing in wind energy projects in La Guajira. These projects aim to provide benefits to local communities, such as clean water and carbon credits. However, maintaining good relations with communities and addressing their concerns is crucial to prevent conflicts and ensure sustainable development in the region. Catherine Ellis “Pemerintah harus membantu menyelesaikan konflik antara komunitas-komunitas.”
Di pantai yang berhembus angin di Cabo de la Vela, Pak Laguna mengatakan bahwa La Guajira secara historis diabaikan oleh negara.
Pendidikan dan layanan kesehatan buruk, dan sebagian besar komunitas pedesaan tidak memiliki air mengalir.
Sebagian orang masih berjalan berjam-jam setiap hari untuk mengumpulkan air dari jagüeys – waduk yang diisi air hujan.
Komunitasnya memiliki pabrik pengolahan air laut kecil yang memproduksi air tawar dan ingin perusahaan yang berencana membangun pembangkit listrik tenaga angin di dekatnya untuk memperluasnya, sehingga lebih banyak orang lokal mendapatkan manfaat.
Meskipun ada pembicaraan tentang kemajuan, dia menunjuk pada paradoks yang menetap. “Hal terburuk adalah kita tidak akan menerima satu kilowatt pun listrik yang diproduksi di sini,” keluhnya.
Rencananya adalah agar listrik pembangkit listrik tenaga angin tersebut dikirim ke tempat lain, dan bahwa desa akan terus bergantung pada generator, setidaknya dalam jangka menengah.
Meskipun masa depan mungkin terlihat cerah untuk energi bersih, banyak Wayuu masih cemas bahwa mereka akan dibiarkan dalam kegelapan.