This is organized by CENSAT-Friends of the Earth Colombia, with the support of important international networks, and will focus on confirming, in situ, the overwhelming growth of the area planted with sugarcane and oil palm to produce ethanol fuel and biodiesel respectively, according to the organizers.

Curvaradó, Magdalena Medio, Valle del Cauca, Nariño and Vichada will be the regions visited by the different delegations to verify the simultaneous processes such as the displacement of indigenous communities-especially afro-descendants- , the destruction of ecosystems, the violence in order to extract the products, the overuse of natural resources, etc.

Real World Radio is part of the delegation that from July 3rd will stay in Cali, capital city of Valle del Cauca department, from where to travel to different rural areas, communicating with people affected and local organizations. There are also interviews planned with governmental authorities, both local and national.

Colombia, a country with privileged soil and weather, and also a subsoil with rich mineral deposits, is also associated with more violent political stories of the continent and even the world, with more than half a century of guerrilla, paramilitary presence at the political and economic level, and even the US Pentagon, acting in a quasi-autonomous way.

Colombian current President has tried to seal this dependence through a Free Trade Agreement with the US in George W. Bush´s administration, something that the taking office of Obama slowed down. However, the bilateral relation determines the economic rhythm of the country, which has been seriously affected by the US financial crisis.

The electoral campaign to renew this administration, and a potential constitutional amendment to authorize the indefinite reelection of Uribe is on the Colombian atmosphere and can be seen in the strong presence of political propaganda…and security forces in the neighborhoods.

The permanent violation of political, human, social and cultural rights in this country has motivated an increasing concern at the European Parliament or other European organizations. In fact, several MEPs are participating in the activities of this mission, and also several media such as French Channel 3, or the US newspaper the Washington Post, through correspondents who will be there during the two weeks of activities.

The journey of the delegates to the different territories will begin on Friday and will continue until mid next week. On July 10th and 11th the Forum on Agrofuels will take place in Bogota, which will give an overview of the experience gathered on the field.