The Santander Water Protection Alliance (Alianza PAS), a multi-stakeholder platform led by the National Business Association of Colombia (ANDI) through its National Water and Biodiversity Center (CNAB), formalized during its 22nd Committee meeting the inclusion of Pure Earth, an international organization with more than 25 years of experience in identifying and mitigating toxic pollutants such as lead and mercury in over 50 countries.
The official signing that marks Pure Earth’s inclusion in the PAS Alliance. A new step to strengthen the protection of water, biodiversity, and communities in Santander.
With this addition, the PAS Alliance expands its technical and scientific scope by incorporating a strategic partner recognized worldwide for its expertise in environmental health and the development of technologies for mine tailings remediation, ecological restoration, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Pure Earth, operating in Colombia since 2016, has worked hand in hand with local communities, authorities, and international organizations on pioneering projects for mercury recovery from tailings, strengthening community capacities, and developing protocols for the safe management of pollutants. Its expertise will help boost the Alliance’s lines of action, particularly in the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and the development of a project portfolio for mining-oriented territories.
With Pure Earth joining, the PAS Alliance gains global expertise in managing pollutants such as lead and mercury, expanding its technical capacity for mine site restoration.
“For Pure Earth, it is an honor to join the PAS Alliance, a space that reflects the collective will to build sustainable solutions for water, health, and territories. We firmly believe that remediating pollutants such as mercury and lead is an essential starting point for ecological restoration and community protection. With our international experience and joint work with local partners, we aim to contribute to positioning Colombia as a regional leader in environmental management and social innovation.” — Lizeth Olaya, Director of Pure Earth Colombia.
The PAS Alliance brings together a wide range of actors, including business associations, academia, NGOs, communities, and territorial-level government. Among its members are CNAB ANDI, ANDI Santander, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Universidad EAN, Esri Colombia, Aris Mining – Soto Norte Project, the communities of California, Suratá, and Vetas, and now Pure Earth—consolidating a unique coalition in the country for water protection, biodiversity, and community well-being.
“We welcome Pure Earth to the PAS Alliance. Its international expertise in managing lead and mercury will be key to strengthening local capacities and consolidating sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and ecosystems in Santander,” said Dora Moncada, Director of CNAB – ANDI.
With this new partnership, the PAS Alliance reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively toward comprehensive water management and the building of resilient territories, contributing to positioning Santander and Colombia as regional benchmarks in sustainability, environmental health, and Nature-Based Solutions.
The entire group gathered at the PAS Alliance Committee session, strengthening partnerships and building solutions for water and sustainable territories in Santander.
