An in-depth investigation by the Danish magazine Danwatch reveals that a serious conflict has erupted over the right to water in the province of Petorca, where demonstrations, assaults and court cases have taken place. This situation is the result of a growing consumer demand for avocados, which has led to an increase in production and the establishment of numerous plantations in the region. Petorca accounts for 60% of Chile’s total avocado production, and when you consider that it takes more than four times the normal amount of water to grow an avocado in this province, i.e. 320 liters, it’s not hard to imagine the disastrous consequences of this overproduction. The local population has been severely affected by the water shortages and, according to the Human Rights Center at Diego Portales University in Chile, their right of access to water has been violated.
