Lake Cocibolca Shore Clean-up

Lake Cocibolca shoreline

It is so encouraging to hear about two organizations teaming up to help the environment here in Nicaragua. In this case, the organizations are both young in terms of their existence, as well as young in terms of their membership.

Centro Nicaragüense de Conservación Ambiental – CENICA (The Nicaraguan Center for Environmental Protection) was founded in 2015 by a group of young, professional Nicaraguans with the goal of “promoting the care of the environment and to help provide sustainable human development.” Mapeko is another Nicaraguan organization that is concerned with the environment. Its mission is to stop the climate crisis before the point of no return.

On Saturday, December 9, the two groups of volunteers undertook quite a large clean-up project as they walked the coast of the “Malecon” in Granada. The lakeshore was heavily littered as shown in these photos. The pollution included food containers and clothing, which might have come from several sources.  People enjoying the lake might have left it, the pollution could have come from run-off from drains and sewers into the lake or there was dumping into the lake.

Whatever the source, it is sad to see it and know the devastating environmental and ecological consequences that are happening. Clothing has common and unique hazards to the environment.

Here are six that can be directly attributed to clothing in a lake:

Environmental Pollution: Fabrics can break down over time, releasing synthetic fibers and chemical dyes into the water. This pollution can harm aquatic life and disrupt the ecosystem.

Microplastics: Many textiles, especially synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, shed microplastics when exposed to water and sunlight. These microplastics are tiny particles that can be harmful to aquatic organisms and can make their way up the food chain.

Habitat Disruption: Debris may get entangled in aquatic vegetation, affecting the growth and reproduction of plants. This, in turn, can impact the organisms that rely on these habitats for shelter and food.

Chemical Contamination: The dyes and chemicals used in clothing production can leach into the water, leading to chemical contamination. This contamination can negatively affect water quality and the health of aquatic organisms.

Aesthetic Impact:   The negative visual appeal can deter tourists, affect recreational activities, and diminish the overall beauty of the natural environment.

Long-Term Persistence: Some clothing materials can take a long time to break down in water, contributing to persistent pollution. This longevity increases the duration of the environmental impact and makes cleanup efforts more challenging.

What can be done?  Responsible waste disposal practices and raising awareness about the environmental impact of discarding clothing is crucial. Individuals can help by donating, recycling, or upcycling old clothing items instead of discarding them improperly.

These two organizations are to be applauded for their work! GRACIAS, Mapeko and CENICA!

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