Summary
In 2019, the First Criminal Court of Neiva, Huila in Colombia recognized the Magdalena River as an entity subject to rights to protection, conservation, maintenance, and restoration. It placed the State, the private sector, and the surrounding community as being in charge of enforcing these rights. The decision came about due contamination caused by the activities of El Quimbo hydroelectric project in the Magdalena River. Likewise, the decision protects the fundamental rights to water, health, dignified life and a healthy environment for future generations, also recognizing its condition as a subject of rights.