Cleanup and conservation brigades removed 100 tons of inorganic solid waste from the La Kisst and María Eugenia mountain wetlands, two bodies of water considered strategic for the environmental balance of San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
The work was carried out by various social organizations and resulted in the collection of mainly single-use plastics (PET), glass, polyethylene bags, and other waste. The waste was delivered to the Municipal Sanitation Department for handling and final disposal.
Simultaneously, the brigades made progress in removing African reed, an invasive species that displaces native vegetation and affects the ecological balance of these wetlands.
The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), which coordinates part of the efforts, reported that the main objective is to protect biodiversity and improve water availability, as well as to curb damage that has been denounced for years by environmental groups, such as illegal construction and the dumping of construction debris.
It was noted that the “María Eugenia Mountain Wetlands” area was declared an Area Subject to Ecological Conservation on March 22, 2011, and on January 8, 2024, it obtained the status of Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Furthermore, the site has international recognition as a Ramsar Site, identified as Wetland of International Importance number 1787.
The restoration efforts will continue throughout the rest of the month with volunteer activities involving children, youth, and senior citizens, under the guidance of CONANP staff.
Source: elsoldechiapas
