On Saturday, March 1, the historic journey "Rowing Against the Current for Water and Life" began in defense of the rivers and biodiversity of the La Plata Basin, with the goal of stopping the privatization of the Paraná – Paraguay Waterway promoted by the National Government. More than 180 organizations join this struggle against the bidding for the Paraná – Paraguay Waterway. The campaign is supported by social, civil, and environmental organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with the Ecclesial Network of Justice and Peace of the Greater Homeland.
The journey began at the Pilcomayo Port, Formosa, and will extend to Rosario, Santa Fe, with an expected arrival on March 22, in commemoration of World Water Day. The initiative arises in response to the bidding call made by the National Government to re-privatize the management of the Paraná – Paraguay Waterway, with the proposal to deepen the dredging to 44 feet, which would imply a deterioration of wetlands and a negative impact on coastal communities.
Luis "Cosita" Romero, a fisherman and environmental leader, is one of the promoters of this journey. Romero highlighted the importance of popular resistance to stop projects that affect the ecosystem, recalling the sanctioning of the Law of Freedom of Rivers 9092/97. Martha Arriola, a leader of the Ecclesial Network of Justice and Peace for the Greater Homeland and Caretakers of the Common House, is another proponent of the project, emphasizing the importance of protecting natural resources.
Arriola mentioned the start of the journey on March 1 as a symbolic date linked to the end of the Triple Alliance War, and referred to the past movement of artisanal fishermen from the Paraná River who in 1996 undertook a journey to halt the construction of a mega hydroelectric dam. Activities during the journey will include walks, murals, cultural activities, and assemblies, with the participation of various actors involved in the defense of rivers and wetlands.
Martha Arriola warned about the negative consequences of dredging the most extensive freshwater wetland corridor on the planet to 44 feet, which could cause serious irreversible damage to the ecosystem and fish fauna, leading to ecocide. The journey will continue its route from Isla del Cerrito, Chaco, with various activities scheduled to raise awareness about the importance of protecting rivers and biodiversity in the region.
