Iquitos – Over 400 delegates gathered for three days in Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, for the Amazon Water Summit to discuss the protection of water as a fundamental human right and common good.
Representatives of various communities and organizations, including indigenous peoples, farming communities, quilombos, social organizations, religious leaders, and civil society representatives—from 10 countries and 14 regions of Peru,
discussed in an atmosphere of interculturality and solidarity under the theme “We Are Water, We Are Life, We Are Hope,” in line with the appeal for the right to water and with reference to important documents such as “Querida Amazonìa,” “Laudato Sì,” and “Laudate Deum.”
It was an event rich in symbolism and commitment to protecting the Amazon rivers, led by the Water Department of the Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos.
Problems such as mining, deforestation, and increasing pollution were addressed, as well as the resilience of indigenous peoples and religious communities in protecting life. The paradox of the lack of drinking water in an Amazon region rich in freshwater was also highlighted. “Governments are pursuing a policy of extermination,” explained Archbishop Carlos Castillo of Lima, adding that more people are protesting every day. The prelate also shared the testimony of an indigenous leader about the systematic poisoning of the population due to oil spills. In response to this situation, Archbishop Castillo called for a transformation marked by the rebirth of the population.
“So many people have come here wanting to preserve this biome, so vital for the planet, offering their hope, their lives, and their energy in service of this common good that is the Amazon,” said the Bishop of Iquitos, Miguel Angel Cadenas, the summit’s main organizer, at the joint closing Mass. “The Church wants to listen. We need to listen to one another so we can propose a dignified life for all,” he emphasized.
During the summit, moving testimonies of the impact of pollution on rivers were presented. Participants affirmed that water is a “sacred good” and committed to protecting it to ensure the harmony of the Amazon’s ecosystems and their human and non-human inhabitants. Among the participants was Cardinal Pedro Barreto, Archbishop Emeritus of Huancayo, who emphasized that the Catholic Church has always been a defender of God’s creation: “For 11 years we have been working within a Pan-Amazonian ecclesial network. We have an Ecclesial Conference that includes the nine Amazonian countries. The Church is making a joint effort not only within strictly ecclesial realms, but also in dialogue with the business and social sectors.”
The summit’s final declaration denounces the environmental and social crisis threatening life and territorial balance, highlighting problems such as mining, oil exploitation, drug trafficking, and extractivism, which increase pollution and climate change. It also points out that governmental indifference and destructive policies worsen the situation, often linked to organized crime.
At the conclusion of the closing Mass, the Vicariate of Puerto Maldonado accepted the challenge of hosting the Second Amazon Water Summit, at a date yet to be determined.
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