by Lena Johannessen
In 2002, Project Concern International (PCI) El Salvador, together
with six local and international organizations, hosted El Re-Encuentro Río
Lempa (Reencounter with the Río Lempa). The event was held to bring
together people who share an interest in the protection and recuperation of
the rapidly deteriorating Río Lempa basin. In 2003, more than 500 participants
rafted down the Río Lempa.
This year the 20-day journey has rallied even more participants
and supporters. Rafting teams from El Salvador hooked up all along the river—in
Guatemala, Honduras and throughout El Salvador, thus making the campaign this
year an international event. With the experience of these trips, young and old,
rich and poor, Salvadoran and foreigners alike have come to know the beauty
and understand the importance of El Salvador’s most important waterway.
This river provides 35 percent of the country’s electrical energy and
80 percent of its water supply.
According to environmental scientists, if deforestation, erosion
and contamination of the river are left unchecked, this mighty waterway will
dry up in less than 100 years. In other words, we may not see this disaster
in our lifetime, but certainly in the lifetime of our children and grandchildren.
Participants enjoying fresh spring water
fromRío Lempa’s source in Olopa,
Guatemala
The good news is that the Río Lempa project joined
governmental institutions, the private sector and NGOs in a tri-national effort.
The “Adopte un Tramo” (Adopt a Stretch) campaign is an
opportunity for everyone to contribute to the rescue and follow-up protection
of Río Lempa: You can participate in cleaning, reforestation or by making
donations. PCI also sponsored classes for three young Salvadorans who worked
closely in the river campaigns to be rafting guides; they were schooled in Costa
Rica and they in turn educated three additional guides. The result of this effort
is “Trifinio Extremo,” a rafting company that is highly
competent to offer safe and enjoyable river rafting trips throughout the year.
One very important extension for those rafting the Río
Lempa during the campaign is the environmental education for thousands of schoolchildren
who live in communities located along the banks of the river, plus all of the
eco-camp activities, visits to the hydro-electric plants and other conservation
explorations. Other vital Río Lempa project goals include popularizing
environmental issues and encouraging people to do their part by protecting water
resources.
The 2004 El Re-Encuentro Río Lempa closing ceremony
and presentation of this year’s campaign video will be held in early December
at the D. J. Guzmán Museum in San Salvador. For more information, contact
PCI at (503) 298-6137; email: alamer@projectconcern.org;
or visit: www.projectconcern.org
The route of the Rio
Lempa Trail, from
Olopa in Guatemala
through Honduras and
El Salvador, to its end
at the Pacific Ocean.
