In December 2025, the Mendoza Legislature approved the Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) for the San Jorge Project (PSJ) in Uspallata, enabling metallic mining for gold and copper in the province. Despite massive mobilizations and strong social rejection due to the risks to water resources and environmental pollution, the approval was granted. This decision sparked massive protests, including caravans and large-scale demonstrations, particularly in Uspallata, which continue to this day with weekly assemblies and activities. Within this framework of active popular resistance, and as the national government pushes for the amendment of the Glacier Law—a key norm for protecting freshwater reserves and high mountain ecosystems—the 5th Peoples Bridges of Water Encounter-Festival will take place from February 14-17 in the Mendoza town of Uspallata, precisely where the San Jorge mining project is planned. As its organizers describe it, this is «an encounter self-managed by water and territory defenders, aimed at exchanging experiences of resistance against extractivism, making different problems visible, and thinking of common struggle strategies». This year marks the fifth edition. Despite the provincial legislature's approval of metallic mining in December 2025, popular protests in Mendoza continue with weekly assemblies, mobilizations, and activities. As with each encounter, this fifth edition will feature workshops, screenings, a hike, and a music festival. Participants will include the Coastal Community of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands, various neighborhood assemblies, community radios, and socio-environmental collectives from across the country.
