Broadly speaking, the project aims to join the efforts of various actors to promote the integral regenerative development of the Lago Güija complex
Promote several Rotary clubs in El Salvador, with the technical support of SalvaNATURA, the #YoLimpioLagoGuija initiative.
Broadly speaking, the project aims to combine the efforts of different actors to promote the comprehensive regenerative development of the Lago Güija complex, “under a comprehensive river basin management approach (with short-, medium- and long-term objectives), whereby the guidance of the International Lake Basin Management Environmental Center (ILEC)”.
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Based in Japan, ILEC is recognized as the world authority for integrated lake basin management with over 35 years of international experience in this field.
The initiative also aims to establish a comprehensive management committee for the Güija complex basin.
“We see the well-being of the area as a system, where all its elements interact and where knowledge and management of the area’s assets are improved, which is a lot but has been undervalued in the past,” SalvaNatura wrote in the statement. to the campaign.
In addition, the environmental organization considered “this activity necessary to prevent this lagoon from dying, as has just happened with the Santa Clara lagoon in San Vicente. For the same reason, the start-up of the Black Water Treatment Plant is crucial. of the city of Metapán , which the mayor of Metapán has promised will be operational this year.”
International entities and the Salvadoran government have joined the effort, for example: the Ministry of Public Works, MOP, and the Ministry of the Environment, Marn. Also supporting the El Zorrillal community and others in the Laguna de Metapán with unconditional work.
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They also supported the El Salvador Initiative Fund for the Americas (FIAES), the Department of Education, and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).
Environmental risk in the area
The initiative also highlights the most latent threats in that area, such as:
1) Gold and silver mine “Cerro Blanco”, owned by the Canadian company Blue Stone Resources, with “open pit mining” technology and which plans to operate for more than 11 years in Asunción Mita, just 9 km from the border with El Salvador and at the risk of polluting not only Lake Guija but also the Lempa River;
2) Climate change, with higher temperatures, as well as sudden rains and longer droughts.
At the same time, he considers the “very important” opportunities in the area, as there will be several projects to support the quality of life of the inhabitants and reduce their interest in migration, through the Biden plan for the northern triangle that will be executed for 4 years . †
They also expect the OAS/GEF project for the “Integral Management of the Lempa River Basin” to start this year.
Another project starting in 2023 and lasting 7 years is from the UK Department of Agriculture and the Environment (DEFRA), which will focus on improving the quality of life for 7 years with the possibility of an extension for a similar period. living conditions of the population, strengthening resilience to climate change, preserving and restoring/regeneration of the rich biodiversity of this area, as well as support for creating opportunities for women and for saving the indigenous culture in the Trifinio area.
