Environmental Networking Platform for Children and Youth by SAMSUNG E&A
Stay connected with Eco-generation :
| Share 
| 
- Home >
- Our Actions >
- Ambassador report
4
Comments
[Theme of the month] March - Water Pollution |
|---|
|
by Anghy Aquino | 14-03-2022 14:55
|
|
Contamination of rivers in the Junin region, Peru "We have to take care of the mama cocha (mother water), otherwise we won't eat" a humble farmer from my village San Jose de Quero once told me. A Quechua* speaking man who did not speak Spanish very well and could not even finish high school was very clear about the importance of water for the harvesting of food and the preservation of life, unlike many people who live in the cities of Junin and do not take care of their valuable water sources such as rivers and lakes, as they pollute them by throwing domestic waste on a daily basis. One of the major environmental problems facing the Junin region of Peru is the pollution of rivers and lakes caused mainly by the lack of environmental culture of the residents who throw their waste into the rivers. Tons of organic and inorganic waste are dumped every year in the different rivers of my region such as Shullcas, Cunas, and Achamayo. Although residents are one of the main culprits responsible for the contamination of these rivers, poultry and agricultural companies are not exempt from blame, as they also dump their waste in the rivers. Poultry companies dump chicken entrails and feathers into the rivers and agricultural companies wash their products with river water. Take the case of companies that harvest carrots, for example. These companies use river water —mainly from the Cunas River (Chupaca) since there are many corn, potato and carrot crops around this river— to wash their harvested products and later sell them.
"Shullcas River is a sewer polluted by sewage and trash", obtained from https://diariocorreo.pe/peru/rio-shullcas-es-cloaca-contaminada-por-desag-97832/?ref=dcr All these environmental crimes have been happening in my region for many years before the indifferent eyes of many regional governors who did not take measures against these environmental attacks that extinguish valuable ecosystems and threaten public health. Fortunately, in recent years, some municipalities in my region have taken measures to address these problems, including sanctions against companies that pollute the rivers and campaigns to collect garbage from the rivers with the help of students and neighbors. Nevertheless, there is still much to be done to solve these problems.   cleaning the Shullcas River1.jpg) Volunteers (neighbors and university students) cleaning the Shullcas River, obtained from Municipalidad Provincial de Huancayo Facebook.
The authorities should not only focus on trying to solve the problem (which is also very important, but does not attack the root of the problem), but also on trying to prevent it by promoting an environmental culture among residents, especially children. Sowing love for nature and raising awareness among children to take care of the environment is an arduous task, but necessary to prevent river pollution and other environmental problems in my region and around the world.  Obtained from https://www.childrenandnature.org/resources/investments-in-nature-are-a-win-win-for-communities-recovering-from-covid-19-qa-with-dr-hanaa-hamdi/ *Quechua: Native language of the Peruvian Andes. |
|
|
|
|
Former E-gen Ambassador
Anghy Aquino
Previous : [Theme of the Month] Lifeline ...
4 Comments
Thank you so much for your comments Chelwoon Mentor, Joon Mentor, and Nataly :)
Posted 17-03-2022 13:17
As a Peruvian I share your regret, knowing that the authorities and large companies are not responsible for the disasters and injustices they commit. In the same way, the value of nature is underestimated due to the lack of environmental culture in Peru.
Thank you for the article, Anghy :D
Posted 17-03-2022 05:43
Hello Anghy, this is your mentor Joon.
It is so sad to see fresh source of water is contaminated with wastes. Companies often do not feel guilty about ruining the nature so that they could chase for money. For those not feeling any senses, proper regulation and restrictions should be made so that they loose the benefit they have created while damaging the environment. However, it is not easy. To fine the entity, a regulation must be set up, but companies are highly related with authorities and therefore hard to come up with adequate solution. Progression should be made. Yet, it is good to see volunteers cleaning up the water so that they could prevent the worst situation.
Well read your article, and let's keep up!
Best,
Joon
Posted 16-03-2022 21:57
Hello Anghy, this is your mentor Chelwoon.
It was so interesting hearing about the stories in your region.
I cannot believe what the companies have done to the river. It must have ruined the quality of the rivers and lakes. Hopefully in the past few years, the authorities in your region started to fight for the environment.
I think what the municipalities in your region have done will really encourage more residents to take care of this valuable water resource!
Thank you for the article!
Regards,
Chelwoon
Posted 15-03-2022 19:04