Magdalena River, Threatened Source of Life Los Río Magdalena, Fuente de Vida en Amenaza

Abstract

Most of the land surface is covered by water, most of which is brackish water (97.5%) and only 2.5% freshwater. Colombia is one of the countries with 2,132 Km3 of fresh water reserves in the world, whose main hydrographic sources are represented by the Magdalena River, the Cauca River, the Amazon River and the Orinoco River, which makes the country a paradise full of water resources. Due to this, the objective of this research is to carry out a bibliographic review of the deterioration of the Magdalena River in the department of Huila, since this is its birthplace. Due to its excellent geographical location, the river has been subject to overexploitation of its natural resources, with the construction of two hydroelectric power plants along the river basin, which cause damage such as the transport of sediments, displacement of wildlife, and changes in the economy of the inhabitants of the region, This is why it is important to exercise control over the uses given to the river, since it is one of the most important tributaries of the
country, with the intention of conserving the natural resources.