Guido & Lake Titicaca 🐟

What do the Aral Sea, Dead Sea and Lake Titicaca have in common?

You've probably guessed it – all of them are (or were) a place of beauty, yet all of them face issues, such as shrinkage, pollution and salt level increases.

Take for instance the tranquil community Luquina Chico on the shores of Titicaca. A few dozen families have as per tradition made their livelihood from fishing and livestock

Yet, some 10 years ago things started to turn for the worse. While back then plenty fish were available (e.g. small trouts), such sightings are a rare occasion these days, with nets staying worryingly empty.

When speaking to Guido (proud community member + husband + father of two ) then the extent of the problem and the underlying frustration within the community become visible.

1. Shorter rain seasons have become a more frequent event

2. Consequently, more lake water has to be taken out for agriculture and livestock

3. This, combined with increasing and unmonitored pollution (cities + industry) that stems from the 20+ rivers feeding into Titicaca make for a dangerous mix - impacting communities, fish population and all those depending on same

What could be a way out to reverse matters? Listening to Guido, then praying for more rain will clearly not be enough. Water management of the lake (Peru 🇵🇪 and Bolivia 🇧🇴 are both bordering) needs to be done systematically. And most importantly, the pollution from cities and industries needs to be monitored and stopped to the extent possible. Politicians, industry chambers and others must be part of such solution.

Having seen the beauty and tranquility of the lake, the traditions and the kindness of the community, I dearly hope that enough attention keeps being brought forward and joint action across Peruvian, Bolivian and international stakeholders is taken.

Goodbye for now from Lake Titicaca…