Cochabamba lagoon rescue operation gains support
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Cochabamba's municipality and the Bolivian Navy have launched a joint operation to conserve the Alalay lagoon.
- Over 300 cadets will participate in monthly terrestrial and aquatic cleaning efforts to maintain the ecosystem.
- Mayor Manfred Reyes Villa highlighted the lagoon's environmental recovery and the return of wildlife, emphasizing its importance as the city's "environmental lung."
Cochabamba is intensifying efforts to conserve the Alalay lagoon, a vital ecosystem for the city, through a new partnership between the municipality and the Bolivian Navy. This collaboration involves over 300 cadets from the Naval Military School who will regularly participate in terrestrial and aquatic cleaning activities.
The initiative aims to prevent the proliferation of aquatic plants and preserve the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the lagoon. Franco Jaime Pardo Cassab, director of the Naval Military School, detailed that these cleaning sessions will occur monthly, ensuring continuous maintenance of the area.
Mayor Manfred Reyes Villa inspected the lagoon and expressed satisfaction with its environmental recovery, attributing it to municipal actions. "Alalay is the main environmental lung of Cochabamba, and we must preserve it. Today we see the return of wildlife, and we will continue working to care for this natural heritage," the mayor stated. He noted that the "body of water" currently measures about four meters deep, exhibits good water quality, and supports a significant diversity of birds, fish, and other species that have returned.
Reyes Villa also announced further improvements around the lagoon, including the implementation of a "coronation ring," restoration of green areas, and maintenance of the bike path, all aimed at providing better recreational spaces for residents. The ongoing efforts underscore the city's commitment to protecting this natural asset.
Alalay is the main environmental lung of Cochabamba, and we must preserve it. Today we see the return of wildlife, and we will continue working to care for this natural heritage.
Originally published by El Deber in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.