BOLETÍN / NEWSLETTER – 8/2007
Versión en español (English version follows)
IMPLICACIÓN CADA VEZ MAYOR DE LA RIBERA EN EDICIONES
ECOLÓGICAS
En meses recientes, hemos oído hablar de varios individuos y de grupos que
están trabajando para mejorar el ambiente alrededor del lago de Chapala. Algunos
son nuevos esfuerzos, y algunos han estado alrededor por años.
Informe por favor a los Amigos del Lago de algunas otras actividades
ambientales en su comunidad. Y apoyenos siendo un nuevo miembro en
www.amigosdelago.org.
La Mesa Directiva de
La Sociedad de Amigos del Lago de Chapala, A.C.
Agosto 2007
(English version)
GROWING LAKESIDE INVOLVEMENT IN ECOLOGICAL ISSUES
In recent months, we have heard about a number of individuals and groups that
are working to improve the environment around Lake Chapala. Some are new
efforts, and some have been around for years.
- The “Gran Alianza” (Great Alliance), convened by Jalisco’s state
government, is holding regular meetings where government and civic
representatives can exchange ideas on a variety of topics. Antonio Flores
and Alicia Córdova, current and past presidents of Amigos del Lago, are
participating in the environmental discussions and arranged for several
speakers to address the group. Dr. Jose de Anda (Jalisco’s Research and
Technical Assistance/Design Center, CIATEJ) gave a brief talk about how
artificial wetlands [humedales artificiales] can reduce Lake Chapala
pollution levels, and Dr. Maria Luisa Acueto (toxicologist from the
University of Guadalajara) spoke about the negative impacts of the Arcediano
Dam on both the Guadalajara metropolitan zone and Lake Chapala itself. For
details, write Alicia at (alicia_cordova@amigosdelago.org).
- José Antonio Machuca Núñez, an engineer from the ejido community of
Zapotitán del Hidalgo (Jocotepec) and former secretary of the Amigos del
Lago board of directors, wants to create an official reserve there to
protect the ecology in the 150-hectare “Mesa de las Azucenas” that is now
being threatened. A complaint is in effect until November 2007 to stop
ranchers from grazing their cattle on the area. Ing. Machuca hopes to
protect the evergreen forest and also the white lily (Polianthes longiflora
rose) that is native to the area. Working with the Indigenous Community of
San Cristobal Zapotitlán, he has applied to the federal government to plant
22,000 trees in the area. For more information, write Ing. Machuca (antoniomachucan@yahoo.com.mx).
- The Mexican Movement of People Affected by Dams and in Defense of Rivers
(MAPDER) is closely monitoring activities regarding the construction of the
Arcediano Dam in the canyon north of Guadalajara. They are strongly opposed
to the Arcediano project on the grounds that it is would damage the
ecosystem and public health and would not save Lake Chapala. (See
www.mapder.org for more information.)
- The Latin-American Water Court [Tribunal Latinoamericano del Agua] may
hear complaints this fall regarding the polluted Zula River. Complainants
seek an investigation of the causes of the pollution. This is the same court
that declared Lake Chapala to be one of the worst-managed lakes in the
world. Amigos del Lago is involved in discussions about how to proceed with
this issue.
- Efforts to have Lake Chapala declared an official Ramsar site continue.
Ramsar status would recognize the international importance of the lake. The
Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 is an
intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action
and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands
and their resources. Amigos del Lago, the Foundation for the
Chapala-Lerma-Santiago Watershed, and the Institute for Environmental Rights
are seeking this designation as a tool to preserve the lake and its
surrounding wetlands. (See www.ramsar.org for more information.)
- A number of bilingual DVDs about environmental issues are available free
from Amigos del Lago (www.amigosdelago.org) or from Cindy McCulligh (cindy@imdec.net)
at the Mexican Institute for Community Development (IMDEC). These include
films about public health concerns caused by industrial pollution in the
Santiago River in nearby Juanacatlán and El Salto, and many others. They are excellent tools for community
and classroom discussions.
- The government of Ocotlán is trying to figure out a solution to the
mosquito problem there caused, in part, by the water hyacinth infestation on
the Zula River. Amigos del Lago has been providing information to Ocotlán
officials about the dangers of glyphosate and has been encouraging efforts
to address the root causes of the problem—the high levels of pollution in
the river.
- The government of Jocotepec has long-term plans to add a swimming beach
to its malecón area. This effort would be a regional model of how to make
Lake Chapala waters safe for swimming and other water sports.
View of Jocotepec
- The government of Tizapán is considering various solutions to reduce
domestic waste entering Lake Chapala. They are talking with Dr. José de Anda
(CIATEJ) and Dr. Todd Stong (volunteer engineer) to decide appropriate uses
for engineered wetlands and stabilization ponds.
- Chapala has a new recycling program. Residents are asked to bag glass
and plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard separately from their
regular garbage and set the recyclables out with their garbage on Tuesdays.
E-mail Janet Zampieri, Amigos del Lago treasurer, (jlz@psconsult.com) for
more information.
Please inform Amigos del Lago of other environmental activities in your
community. And help support us by becoming a member at
www.amigosdelago.org.
Board of Directors
Amigos del Lago de Chapala, A.C.
August 2007