- Danilo Villafañe, an Arhuaco Indigenous leader renowned for his efforts to protect the “Heart of the World” in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada, died on Christmas Day while trying to rescue two women who were drowning. He was 49.
- According to reports, Villafañe drowned while attempting to aid two young women who were caught in rough seas near the mouth of the Palomino River.
- Villafañe, who served as the governor of the Arhuaco, originally gained prominence for his work to protect the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta from deforestation and colonization.
Danilo Villafañe, a respected Arhuaco Indigenous leader known for his dedication to protecting the ‘Heart of the World’ in the Sierra Nevada of Colombia, died on Christmas Day at the age of 49. He was attempting to rescue two young women from drowning, who were struggling in the turbulent waters near the Palomino River mouth. 15-year-old Erika Izquierdo Chaparro also lost her life in the incident.
Villafañe, who held the position of governor among the Arhuaco, rose to prominence through his vigorous efforts to shield the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta from deforestation and colonization. He was a vocal proponent for Indigenous rights and culture, a commitment underscored by his participation in the U.N. climate summit in Dubai earlier this month.
His activism often placed him in opposition to formidable foes, including paramilitaries, guerrillas, drug traffickers, and land speculators. His dedication followed in the footsteps of his father, Adalberto Villafañe, who was assassinated in 1996 while working to reclaim Indigenous territories from coca plantations.
The news of Villafañe’s death has prompted widespread mourning. Condolences have been extended by Colombia’s current president, Gustavo Petro, as well as former presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque.
Nos reunimos varias veces para discutir las formas de la crisis climática en la región, la instalación de las energías limpias en el corazón de la tierra: la Sierra Nevada a la que amaba y la concresión de la línea negra.
Nos encontramos en Dubai en la COP 28 él defendiendo la… pic.twitter.com/zmNfFI3b6h
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) December 26, 2023
Rhett A. Butler
Article by: Rhett A. Butler
This story first appeared on Mongabay
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