True problematic about the Colombian Coral reefs and the hydrocarbon exploration.

The islands of San Andres, old providence and Santa Catalina are surrounded by the three most significant tropical marine ecosystems, coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves. A wide variety of species are associated with the reefs. However now there is a drawback. The hydrocarbon exploration arises like an idea of development, but is this really good for ecosystems and native people?. I really dont think that this will bring benefits to people and much less to marine life. The oil companies have a new purpose on the big area of the Coral reefs, they know that these ecosystems have under them something like a treasure whose value should bring great benefits, but what kind of benefits?. How many things we need to sacrifice to obtain some money?. The coral reefs really offer benefits for people who live on the archipelago, for example they protect coasts from waves and storms. They offer shelter for young fish and other marine animals. They are the primary food source for people. They are the cornerstone of island economies through fisheries and tourism and also they are one of the natures wonders, a marvelous world to study and enjoy. But what are the big oil companies and the ANH (national Association of hydrocarbon) saying?. In 2010 the ANH gave to some oil companies a license to exploit two areas of the archipelago where perhaps there is methane gas. The ANH took a bad decision regardless of the population opinion, neither the Coralina opinion. But its clear that the oil companies will be responsible with the activity of exploration. They said nothing will go wrong, but do we really should to believe in them? Thats only an economic importance by part of these companies. They are not interested on the development of the smaller islands. What do they pretend to do after finishing the inner reserves of the corals? Exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon on the coral reefs are impossible because the MPA (Marine protected area) has been established to protect this kind of ecosystems, the MPA is an area for conservation and sustainable use in five categories, first for investigation and monitoring, a variety of uses allowed non-extractive, artisanal fishing, special use (where exploration and exploitation activities are not included), and general use. The seaflower MPA has objectives like the preservation and maintenance of species, biodiversity and special habitats and an equitable distribution of economic and social benefits to enhance local development. Then would these companies be fulfilling the principles of coral reefs as marine protected area? As a conclusion and from my point of view the sustainable development should not be affected by the money. This country has wonderful places which offer us great benefits no just monetary. We need to think about other people, we need to protect our reserved areas and give them a better use without exhausting their resources. In this way we can give to future generation something that we enjoy today, or something that unfortunately we have but we do not know. Written By: Yeny Paola Carrillo Cortes.