Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

Join us as we explore the critical state of Colombia's tropical dry forests with researcher Maria Isabel Arce Plata. Discover the ecosystem's unique characteristics, the threats it faces from deforestation, climate change, and human activity, and the hopeful strategies for conservation and community involvement. Tropical dry forests are among the most endangered ecosystems globally, yet we rarely hear about them. With rainfall patterns shifting due to climate change, these forests are facing unprecedented challenges. In Colombia, the remnants of these forests have dwindled to less than a million hectares from an estimated 9-11 million! Tune in to this week's Colombia Calling podcast and to the Colombia Briefing reported by Emily Hart.

This episode of the Colombia Calling podcast explores the complex relationship between Canadian mining interests and Colombia's post-conflict landscape, highlighting historical conflicts, foreign influence, and human rights issues. We speak to Lital Khaikin, a freelance journalist and writer currently based in Montréal, who has deeply investigated this topic. Canadian mining companies have increasingly set their sights on Colombia, attracted by its rich mineral resources. However, this influx has raised significant concerns regarding human rights abuses and environmental degradation. The conversation with Lita Khaikin reveals the intricate web of issues surrounding Canadian mining in Colombia. As we delve deeper into these topics, it becomes clear that raising awareness and holding companies accountable is crucial for the future of affected communities. As listeners, consider how you can stay informed and advocate for change in the extractive industries. Important links: "Blood of Extraction" fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/blood-of-extraction This article by independent journalist Garry Leech come up during research : https://nacla.org/plan-petroleum-putumayo/ The Global Witness report on land defenders killed globally : https://globalwitness.org/en/press-releases/at-least-146-land-and-environmental-defenders-killed-or-disappeared-globally-in-2024/ This is a report about Indigenous peoples in Putumayo by the Observatorio de Derechos Territoriales de los Pueblos Indígenas : https://www.cntindigena.org/situacion-territorial-de-los-pueblos-indigenas-en-el-departamento-del-putumayo/ Two episodes to recommend : "566: Peacebuilding Cannot Happen Without Security: Why the Killings of Social Leaders in Colombia Continues" : https://soundcloud.com/colombiacalling/566-peacebuilding-cannot "580: Truth Demands: Murder, Oil Wars, and Climate Justice" : https://soundcloud.com/colombiacalling/580-truth-demands-murder-oil Article by Lital Khaikin on Putumayo that gets into Indigenous land rights : https://wagingnonviolence.org/2025/04/inside-the-indigenous-land-back-movement-in-colombia/ And this one with NACLA: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/figure/10.1080/10714839.2025.2542084 The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

Explore how Boris Spiwak, CEO of Qash, is transforming Latin America's financial landscape with US dollar accounts using blockchain technology. Discover the impact of stablecoins, regulatory compliance, and the rapid growth in digital financial services across Colombia, Venezuela, and beyond. Learn how stablecoins can provide financial stability in Latin America amidst economic challenges. Hear insights from Boris Spiwak, CEO of Qash, on democratising US dollar access on this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast. In Latin America, financial instability is a pressing issue that affects individuals and businesses alike. With high inflation and currency devaluation, many are searching for reliable solutions to safeguard their wealth. In this episode we'll explore how stablecoins, particularly through the innovative platform Qash, are revolutionising access to US dollar financial services in the region. We'll uncover key insights from my conversation with Boris Spiwak, the CEO and co-founder of Qash, which is making strides in democratising financial access for everyday people. https://www.qash.ai/ The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

Colonel John Blashford-Snell is a renowned former British Army officer, explorer, and author, celebrated for his extensive expeditions around the globe. With over 100 expeditions under his belt, he founded Operation Raleigh and the Scientific Exploration Society, and he was awarded the CBE for his services in scientific research. On this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we discuss his various expeditions in Colombia, such as in 1971, Colonel John Blashford-Snell led an expedition through one of the world's most challenging terrains—from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in. Range Rover. Imagine navigating dense jungles, swamps, and the unknown risks of the Darien Gap! With the help of a dedicated team and local scouts, they faced challenges that would leave many in awe. They encountered everything from treacherous mud to wild animals, all while ensuring the safety and respect of local communities. We also discuss his expeditions to Colombia's Sierra Nevada in 2016, the Colombian Amazon in 2017 and searching for New Caledonia, the former Scottish settlement in Panama, in 1977. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

Colombia is emerging as a prime destination for incentive travel, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse activities. Think about the possibilities available in Bogota:

• **Culinary Tours**: Employees can indulge in Colombia's vibrant food scene, learning to cook traditional dishes with local chefs.
• **Adventure Activities**: From hiking in the Andes to exploring the Amazon rainforest, Colombia offers thrilling adventures that promote teamwork and bonding.
• **Wellness Retreats**: Companies can organize wellness-focused trips that include yoga sessions, meditation, and spa treatments to promote relaxation and mental health.

And so, we talk to Bruce Mclean of Incentive Travel Colombia and BNB Colombia Tours about this new opportunity for Colombia as a destination for incentive travel. What is Incentive Travel? Incentive travel refers to trips that companies offer to employees as a reward for achieving specific goals or milestones. This can include vacations, team-building retreats, or unique experiences designed to foster camaraderie and motivation among teams. It's not just about a break from work; it's a strategic move to enhance productivity and company culture. https://bnbcolombia.com https://incentivetravelcolombia.com The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Emily Hart about her extensive reporting - for a piece in Delayed Gratification magazine - on the phenomenon of Colombian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. They discuss the complexities of recruitment, the motivations behind these young men joining foreign conflicts, and the harsh realities they face on the battlefield. The conversation also touches on the economic factors driving these decisions, the impact on families left behind, and the ethical implications of such recruitment practices. Emily shares poignant stories from her interviews, highlighting the human cost of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications of these conflicts and the importance of human stories in journalism. UN warns: over 10,000 Colombians recruited as mercenaries in the past decade. Tune in for this and the Colombia Briefing. https://substack.com/@ehart?

An in-depth analysis of Colombia's upcoming presidential elections, polling dynamics, candidate strategies, and potential US intervention impacts. We speak to Sergio Guzman, director of Colombia Risk Analysis (www.colombiariskanalysis.com) about the candidates and their vice presidential picks, the government of Gustavo Petro, outlook for the elections, US interference in Colombia's elections and further items of interest. In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we're breaking down the latest polling data and its implications. Polls have changed significantly since new regulations were introduced, creating confusion and speculation. Many candidates are vying for attention, but how accurate are these polls? The reality is that the upcoming elections are unpredictable. The difference between urban and rural polling could distort the real sentiments of voters. With a mix of new candidates and political dynamics, it's crucial to assess the actual voting trends rather than just relying on polls. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com/

Blending travel writing, history and reportage, our guest on this week's Colombia Calling podcast is award-winning journalist and author Shafik Meghji who tells a tale of footballers and pirates, nitrate kings and wool barons, polar explorers and cowboys, missionaries and radical MPs. From a ghost town in one of the world's driest deserts to a far-flung ranch in the sub-polar tundra; rusting whaling stations in the South Atlantic to an isolated railway built by convicts. '[An] appealing fusion of travelogue and history, excavating the roots and remnants of British influence in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.' - The Observer 'This is travel writing as much as history. Meghji has the true travel writer's eye for the comic, pathetic and tragic, and for the places where they collide. . . This is writing full of rust, wind and sadness. It captures splendidly the air of South America and the long, withdrawing roar of an empire whose influence once reached far beyond its political borders.' — The Times So tune in to hear our conversation with Shafik. https://www.shafikmeghji.com/ And, the Colombia Briefing is reported by Grace Brennan.

Join host Richard McColl as he explores the rich Wayuu culture and language of the Guajira region in Colombia with Dr. Paul McAleer. Discover insights into indigenous traditions, linguistic preservation, and community impact through innovative workshops and cultural projects. Check out the Akuaipa Artisans store: https://akuaipaartisans.com The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

On 8 March, Colombians voted in primaries and congressional elections — electing candidates for 102 Senate seats, 182 House seats. Turnout in the election was notably low but marked a slight increase from the 2022 elections.

Colombia's leftist ruling party, the Pacto Histórico, won the majority of seats in the Senate — 4.3 million votes (22.8 per cent) that translates to 25 seats. They were followed by the rightwing Centro Democrático which increased its representation to 17 seats in the Senate, with 15.6 per cent of the vote.

But neither secured a majority, highlighting the fragmented nature of Colombia's political landscape. The next president, whoever it is, will have to negotiate with lawmakers to push through a legislative agenda.

Richard McColl of Colombia Calling and Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports discussed the results on this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast.

The Colombia Briefing by Emily Hart is for subscribers only this week.