A dam, a park, and offsets: Analyzing socio-ecological conflict in Santander, Colombia, through political ecology and Galtung's conflict triangle

Abstract

Environmental offsets are proposed as a solution to counterbalance the inherent conflict between extractive development and environmental protection. However, with the expansion of offsetting projects across the world, new socio-ecological conflicts are emerging as a direct consequence of these initiatives. This article examines a case study of environmental offsets implemented in Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de los Yariguíes located in Santander, Colombia, to compensate for the impacts of the Hidrosogamoso hydroelectric dam. Based on fieldwork conducted between 2018 and 2019 and adopting an analytical framework that combines Johan Galtung's conflict triangle with political ecology, this study reveals the contradictory goals, values, policies and narratives, and the behaviors and attitudes that have led to tensions. In doing so, it highlights the social impacts of offset projects implemented in a protected area, as well as the practical and ethical challenges of attempting to offset environmental harm.