The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) participated in the First Ordinary Session of the Interinstitutional Committee for the Restoration of the San Pedro River in Aguascalientes, where authorities from the federal, state, and municipal governments reviewed ongoing cleaning, monitoring, sanitation, and restoration efforts being carried out along the state’s most important body of water. The participants also agreed to strengthen coordination to restore this vital ecosystem.
Cleanup and Restoration Efforts
As part of the restoration strategy, 22 cleanup campaigns have been carried out with the participation of more than 8,000 volunteers, resulting in the removal of 8,800 tons of waste along 14 kilometers of the river.
In addition, 18 companies will participate in the river’s comprehensive restoration through the “Adopt Your River” program.
Interinstitutional Coordination
The committee is coordinated by the Secretariat of Sustainability, Environment, and Water of the Government of Aguascalientes and brings together municipal, state, and federal agencies.
Representing the Government of Mexico are the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), the National Water Commission (Conagua), and Profepa.
The Importance of the San Pedro River
The San Pedro River is the principal body of water in the Aguascalientes Valley metropolitan area. It flows from north to south through the municipalities of San Francisco de los Romo, Jesús María, and Aguascalientes.
Although various recovery initiatives have been implemented in recent years, pollution continues to affect the river’s ecosystems and the quality of life of nearby residents, making coordinated efforts among government institutions essential.
Profepa’s Role
As part of the restoration strategy, Profepa has participated in designing restoration actions promoted by the Government of Mexico.
The agency also conducts inspection patrols in coordination with state and municipal authorities to detect possible illegal wastewater discharges and has strengthened public participation by establishing a Citizen Environmental Monitoring Committee.
Profepa has also taken part in cleanup campaigns and continues to meet with representatives of the industrial sector to encourage their participation in the “Adopt Your River” program, promoting private-sector involvement in the river’s restoration and conservation.
Next Steps
As part of the agreements reached during the First Ordinary Session, Profepa will strengthen inspection and monitoring efforts in coordination with the State Environmental Protection Office (Proespaa) and state and municipal public security authorities.
The agency will also continue promoting private-sector participation in the National Environmental Audit Program and in river restoration activities, while joining additional cleanup, afforestation, and reforestation campaigns along the river.
Commitment to Environmental Conservation
Through these actions, Profepa reaffirmed its commitment to working jointly with all three levels of government, the private sector, and civil society to contribute to the restoration and conservation of the San Pedro River, one of the most important ecosystems in the state of Aguascalientes.
Source: gob
