The Community Water Monitoring program, implemented in partnership with Lundin Gold near the Fruta del Norte operation, empowers residents of Los Encuentros to actively protect and monitor local water sources. Participants receive certified training, endorsed by a local university, which enables them to collect water samples following strict protocols. In addition to this certification, the program offers open workshops to the wider community on water care and sustainable management.
Since its launch, eight monitoring sessions have been conducted with community involvement, supported by the Lundin Foundation, Lundin Gold, and academic institutions. The initiative not only strengthens local technical capacity but also promotes transparency—monitoring results are shared in public forums organized by the parish government, allowing residents to stay informed and engaged in the conservation of this vital resource. Through this collaborative effort, the program builds environmental awareness and a shared responsibility for water stewardship in the mine’s area of influence.
Jefferson Merino, a resident of the Los Encuentros parish, is a local entrepreneur who combines his passion for community well-being with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition to managing his own yogurt business and supporting agricultural activities on his family’s farm, Jefferson actively participates in initiatives that create lasting value for his community. His dedication to protecting natural resources, particularly water, led him to join the Community Water Monitoring program at Fruta del Norte.
Through this initiative, he completed certified training endorsed by a local university, equipping him with the skills to carry out water sampling under established protocols. Beyond his technical role, he plays an important part in encouraging others to engage in water conservation efforts. His collaborative spirit and leadership continue to strengthen local capacity and awareness around the importance of preserving this vital resource.
“Knowledge is essential, and as members of the community, we’re fully capable of collecting this data ourselves. This experience has strengthened our commitment and given us the tools to share what we’ve learned with others. As community monitors, we take pride in making sure the information is accurate, trustworthy, and shared in a way that truly reflects our reality.”
