00:00 | Machu Picchu (Cusco region), Apr. 6.
The district of
Machu Picchu Town has become the most sustainable city in Peru and Latin America, thanks to proper management of almost all its organic and inorganic waste.
Proof of this is the organic waste recovery plant opened on Friday, April 5, in Machu Picchu Town.
According to Miguel Atausupa, the district's environmental management manager, the plant is capable of processing four tons of waste and generate biochar or charcoal —a natural
fertilizer that helps intensify land agricultural productivity in the area.
The plant consists of three machines for compacting, dewatering, and pyrolyzing waste generated in
Machu Picchu district, which accounts for more than 60% of the total waste produced in this locality.
The opening ceremony saw the participation of Peruvian Deputy Environment Minister Albina Ruiz, Machu Picchu District Mayor Darwin Baca, as well as Jorge Lopez-Doriga and Lisa Masias, representatives of the firms Grupo Aje and Inkaterra, respectively, which helped run the plant.
Deputy Minister Ruiz emphasized that the start-up of the organic waste recovery plant was made possible thanks to joint efforts made by the local government, private companies, and civil society which —in the case of Machu Picchu inhabitants— already segregates 90% of its solid waste.
This pioneering experience in the environmental field and with waste management places Machu Picchu at the leading position in Peru and Latin America.
This will serve as a starting point for future plants in other parts of the country, mainly in natural areas protected by the State.
(END) LZD/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/6/2019