GEOLOGY, GROUNDWATER, AND HEALTH ARE PRIMORDIAL AUTHENTICATIONS IN THE FRONT PEACE PROCESS IN COLOMBIA: FAR FROM RHETORIC, CLOSER REALITY

Developing tools of risk management to solve social conflicts based on natural resources can improve quality of life and thus, create peaceful environments. Mitigation of social conflicts due to natural resources will be relevant in the near future in Colombia. After sixty years of armed conflict, a peace process was signed between the government and the guerrillas, in favor of the general population. This initiative must include analysis and implementation of public policies with the aim of preventing devastation of natural resources.

This paper is a literature review and reflection of Geo Ethics and proposes some recommendations that allow authorities and the population to make data-driven decisions that protect the communities´ health platforms implemented for the well-being of the members of the communities, which is in demand to decrease violence.

Water makes up to 75% of the human body. Water protection is essential to maintain good health. Developing a Water Law in Colombia will create a legitimate relationship government-society. Developing public policies for prevention and mitigation of water resources damage –surface in rivers and underground in aquifers- will decrease social risks, specifically, health hazards.

One recommendation is to draw detailed hydrogeological maps to explore the potential of groundwater in each department at least 1:25.000 scale -especially aquifers shared by two neighbor administrative divisions- is a fundamental initiative for community´s progress in peace.

Another recommendation is to Create and promote opportunities among academia to study more in depth the Earth System Science (ESS) as an interaction of the geospheres of the planet with Geology -Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Mineralogy, Volcanism, Landslides- and their direct connection to human health. It is necessary in some different areas of Colombia to stop exposing population to hazardous minerals as Chrysotile, Mercury, Lead, and Coal, among others, affecting their health.