National Geographic Society finances a scientific research in Peru's wetlands of Villa Marshes, Tumbes Mangroves, and Lake Titicaca, which will assess the presence of toxic metals and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, as well as the impact of climate change, dams, agriculture, and aquaculture.
Preliminary evidence suggests that the wetlands have so far been affected by various industrial activities and uncontrolled urban growth, said Oscar Aguinaga, environmental engineering professor at Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH).
"The wetlands are areas of land that are either temporarily or permanently covered with water. They represent an important ecosystem with unique
biodiversity, and provide many resources that benefit the environment and human beings," he remarked.
Peru has 13 wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention —a treaty signed by several countries that protects wetlands of international importance and encourages the sustainable use of their resources— which, together, cover a surface area of 6,784,041 ha.
The environmental biotechnology expert said that —while they belong to the category of wetlands— Villa Marshes,
Tumbes Mangroves, and
Lake Titicaca are contaminated.
"There is information prior to our research that evidences the entry of effluents polluted with diverse toxins brought from home, abattoirs, and industries to these places," he revealed.
Arrangements are being made to conduct a study with high scientific rigor and get a true understanding of the problem.
Without wetlands, cities would have to spend more money to treat water for their inhabitants, floods would be more devastating for the surrounding communities, animals would be displaced or disappear, and food supply would be interrupted as well as the livelihoods.
(END) NDP/JOT/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/3/2019