This World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought highlights the urgency of addressing the serious situation facing Mexico and Michoacán.
Morelia, Michoacán. Mexico is experiencing one of the most severe periods of drought in recent decades. The phenomenon not only affects agriculture and the supply of drinking water, but also puts vital ecosystems and biodiversity at risk. In Michoacán the situation is especially alarming, with Lake Cuitzeo dry and Lake Pátzcuaro on the verge of disappearing, as well as dam levels falling to historic lows.
This World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, which is commemorated today, highlights the urgency of addressing the causes and consequences of drought, which already has direct effects in Michoacán.
The National Water Commission (Conagua) has issued worrying reports. According to recent data, 85% of the national territory is affected by some degree of drought. In Michoacán, more than 70% of the state is in moderate to extreme drought conditions, affecting thousands of families who depend on water for their daily and economic activities.
Cuitzeo and Pátzcuaro, lakes in agony
Lake Cuitzeo, the second largest in Mexico, is experiencing an unprecedented crisis. A combination of high temperatures, lack of rain and poor water management has reduced its water level to less than 10% of its total capacity. This phenomenon has transformed vast areas of the lake into salt plains, seriously affecting local fauna and the fishing communities that depend on it.
Lake Pátzcuaro is not in better condition. Historically known for its biodiversity and cultural importance, it has seen an alarming decline in its water level, with a loss of 50% of its volume in the last five years. Pollution and overexploitation of water resources aggravate this situation, putting at risk not only the ecosystem, but also the region’s tourist and economic activities.
Michoacán’s dams, which supply water to a large part of the population and the agricultural sector, are also at worryingly low levels. The Cointzio dam, for example, is at 30% of its capacity, while the Infiernillo dam has seen its levels drop to less than 40%. This reduction directly impacts the availability of water for irrigation, essential for agriculture, which is one of the main economic drivers of the state.
What has been done in the face of the crisis?
In the face of this crisis, the government of Michoacán has implemented a series of measures to mitigate the effects of the drought and seek long-term solutions. Among the most notable are actions to prevent the ‘huachicoleo’ of water in the lakes of Cuitzeo and also Zirahuén, as well as the stimulation of clouds to favor rainfall.
In addition, a reforestation and conservation campaign of watersheds has been undertaken to increase the capture of rainwater and reduce soil erosion.
A historically pending issue in Michoacán, which the drought has accelerated, is the modernization of the countryside, which is why more efficient irrigation technologies are now being promoted, such as drip irrigation, to optimize the use of water in agriculture.
In addition, actions have been undertaken to treat and reuse water, through the rehabilitation and improvement of wastewater treatment plants to allow its reuse in agriculture and other sectors.
The government of Michoacán has also sought collaboration with international organizations to obtain funds and technical advice on water management and the recovery of water bodies.
Participation in projects financed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been fundamental to develop sustainable water resource management strategies.
On this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, it is crucial that all sectors of society get involved in the protection and rational use of water resources. The drought in Michoacán is an urgent reminder of the need for comprehensive and sustainable water management, as well as the implementation of effective public policies that ensure the preservation of ecosystems and the well-being of communities.
Drought is not only a challenge for Michoacán, but for all of Mexico and the world. Only through cooperation, innovation and commitment can we face this crisis and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Source: lavozdemichoacan
