Environmental problems in Guatemala

Forests are very important in Guatemala. They suppose more than a third of the territory and the population depends on their resources (firewood as the main energy source) and the ecosystem services that it provides (water regulation). The landowned forests and those of conifers are the most affected. Among the Causes of deforestation in Guatemala They emphasize: agricultural expansion, human settlements, wood and firewood extraction, infrastructure development and illicit felling.

The forest incentive program (PinFor), the Guatemalan System of Protected Areas (SIGAP) and the Incentive Program for Small Forest Vocation Land Pose (Pinpep), are strategies for fighting against deforestation.

In these other posts we talk about the causes of deforestation and also the consequences of deforestation.

The greatest erosion of the soil occurs in agricultural land. The African oil palm plantation (Elaeis guineensis) It has increased in Guatemala by 600% in the last ten years, replacing tropical forests and traditional grain crops. This implies the loss of habitatsits biodiversity (eg.: the gorillas) and the erosion of the soil, until the loss of its fertility. Another great cause of the high rates of soil erosion in Guatemala It is water erosion.

The main one Water pollution in Guatemala It is by nutrients, which causes the proliferation of macroalgas. Highlights the river pollution by solid waste (eg: plastics) and liquids (eg: oils and fuels), which end up flowing into the sea.

Here we talk more about the causes and consequences of water pollution and contamination of rivers and lakes.

One of the abiotic factors most affected by Pollution in Guatemala It is the ground. The lack of consciousness is reflected in an increase in the use of chemicals in agriculture and in the leachate of garbage landfills that contaminate soil and groundwater.

Know more about soil pollution with this other post of ecology.

In Guatemala there is strong contamination by total suspended particles (PTS) and particulate material (PM10). The main cause is the use fossil fuels for cars and to generate heat and electricity. The behavior of the pollutants is very conditioned by the weather in the area.

It is important to know How pollution affects Guatemala. In this case, the quality of life of the population decreases, as well as the rest of the living beings of the place, with the appearance of respiratory deficiencies and pathologies.

To deepen the subject, we recommend reading these other articles on why the air is contaminated, types of air pollution and health problems due to air pollution.

In Guatemala, of 22 departments, 19 are susceptible to the drought episodes. The water scarcity It is a problem that is aggravating with climate change and that, currently, has meant a more obstacle to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here we talk more about what drought, its causes and consequences is and also what is the shortage of water, its causes and consequences.

The aggressiveness of the rains, increasing due to the effects of climate change, and the presence of naked soil, as a consequence of the changes of soil uses (eg: deforestation), increase water erosion. Some of the consequences of water erosion in Guatemala are:

• Greater soil degradation.
• Increased loss of effective culture surface.
• Soil nutrient washing.
• Deterioration of constructions and infrastructure.

The Introduction of invasive exotic species in Guatemalaas The lionfish (Pterois Volitans) and The Tigre shrimp (Panaeus Monodon), they can alter the distribution patterns of native species and their relationships. Thus, biogeochemical cycles can be modified and, with them, the quality of the rest of the marine environment. The overfishing It is also a problem that affects the conservation of fish and crustaceans, mainly.

In addition, in Guatemala, part of the Mesoamerican reef system (SAM) is located. The Threats that degrade reefs They are: non -sustainable fishing practices, agricultural and urban runoff that drags pollutants and waste, climate change, tourism (increased waste) and deforestation.

The Species marketing is one of the great Environmental problems in Guatemala related to the conservation of biodiversity. Its lack of management and control is related to the low value granted by society to biodiversity, its goods and services.

Of wildlife, birds, mammals and reptiles are the most affected species groups; Meanwhile, in the flora, wood, bat, firewood or vegetable are the main object of extraction and Illicit trade.

We encourage you to discover Guatemala’s flora and fauna with this other post and to know these tips on how to avoid illegal species traffic.

We finish this List of Environmental Problems of Guatemala talking about the Loss of Guatemalan biodiversity.

According to Dinerstein et al. (1995) The biodiversity that Guatemala presents in the Petén region and in the fog forests is unique. However, their sensitivity to anthropic activities, such as deforestation and agricultural practices, suppose a threat to their conservation.

According to the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), there are numerous species of animals threatened by illegal trafficking. Some are: the jaguar (Panthera ONCA), the tapir (Tapirus Bairdii) or the white turtle (MAWII Dermysys).

Here you can discover 15 animals in danger of extinction in Guatemala and here you can learn more about the serious problem of loss of biodiversity.

If you want to read more articles similar to Environmental problems in Guatemalawe recommend that you enter our pollution category.