Environmental problems in Nicaragua

Deforestation is a Critical problem in Nicaraguasince it entails a devastating forests and biodiversity associated The indiscriminate felling For the expansion of agriculture, wood extraction and unbridled urban development have resulted in the loss of natural habitats and soil degradation. This has a direct impact on native fauna and flora, as well as in the regulation of the water cycle and the reduction of the greenhouse effect. Reforestation and implementation of sustainable practices They are essential to counteract this problem and preserve the valuable natural resources of Nicaragua.

According to a study by the Humboldt Center, El País lost 1.4 million hectares of forest between 2011 and 2018, or about 70,000 hectares per year. This is mainly due to land use changes for agricultural and livestock activities. Jurgen Guevara, Environmental Advisor in Extractive Industries of the Humboldt Center until January, confirmed Mongabay Latam⁽¹⁾ that around 600,000 hectares of forest had been lost in protected areas in the same period.

Mongabay Latam⁽¹⁾ detected 7,483 deforestation alerts registered through the Global Forest Watch Satellite Satellite Monitoring Platform from January to the end of August 2021. This loss was first concentrated on the northeast part of the reserve.

We recommend reading this article about the causes of deforestation.

The Intensive agriculture and the Excessive use of agrochemicals in Nicaragua They have generated Serious environmental pollution problems. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers used in crops can infiltrate on the floor and pollute groundwateraffecting both the quality of drinking water and human health. In addition, sediments and nutrients dragged by rain can cause River eutrophization and lakes, generating irreparable damage to aquatic ecosystems.

Official figures from Nicaragua⁽¹⁾ They indicate that the Río San Juan Biosphere Reserve has endemic forests, that is, they can only be found in this corner of the globe. The Natural Reserve covers more than 1,800,000 hectares, of which the Corn Indian reserve is the largest with 300,000 hectares.

Indian corn is actually the center of the Biosphere Reserve and the second most important protected area of ​​Nicaragua. In April 2018, a few days before the social and political outbreak, a fire caused by agricultural activity destroyed more than 5,000 hectares. As reported by the Rio Foundation, an environmental group that promotes the conservation and development of the area, the fires were caused by the burning of agricultural producers in the area.

Mining in Nicaragua, especially the Large -scale miningit raises serious environmental problems. Mineral extraction requires the use of Toxic chemicalssuch as cyanide and mercury, which can filter on the floor and pollute water sources close. This water pollution has a direct impact on human health and aquatic life, affecting local communities and ecosystems.

Besides, Open Sky Mining entails the destruction of the natural landscapethe elimination of vegetation and the alteration of ecosystems. Deforestation associated with mining not only reduces biodiversity, but can also cause soil erosion and sedimentation of water bodies.

To address these problems, it is necessary to strengthen regulations and control mechanisms in the mining industry. Responsible extraction practices that minimize contamination of soil and water must be implemented, and environmental remediation programs must be established to restore areas affected by mining.

In this other article you can read about how mineral extraction affects the environment.

Water pollution in Nicaragua is a serious problem that affects both urban and rural areas. The Unhappy wastewater discharge in water bodiesthe lack of adequate treatment systems and the contamination from agricultural and industrial activities They are the main causes of this problem.

Water pollution not only has a direct impact on human health, but also affects aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity in general. Chemicals and dragged sediments For contaminated waters they can kill aquatic life, degrade habitats and compromise water quality for subsequent uses.

Here we explain how to avoid water pollution.

Soil and erosion pollution are interconnected problems in Nicaragua. Intensive use of inappropriate agrochemicals and agricultural practices contribute to soil degradation, reducing its fertility and affecting food production. This compromises food security and sustainability of long -term agriculture.

The erosion of the soil, aggravated by deforestation and the bad practices of soil management, entails the loss of fertile soil and the sedimentation of the bodies of water. Soil erosion reduces its ability to retain water, affects crop stability and contributes to The degradation of ecosystems.

In 2015, a map of potential soil uses in Nicaragua was officially disseminated, of which the most prominent are: water 7.98%, intensive agriculture 6.93%, agriculture and restrictive livestock 4.95%, forest grasses and special crops 20.33%, silviculture 33.83%and agroforestry systems, 17.01%protection and conservation, 8.97%forest.

8.97% of the forest potential is distributed between the dry, subhuma and humid regions of the country, most of which are located in the subhummed regions with a total area of ​​11,689.04 km2 and an area of ​​6883.05 km2. Taking into account the deforestation rate of 70,000 hectares per year, it is estimated that the forests of Nicaragua will decrease in the next 17 years. The phenomenon of the advancement of the agricultural border in Nicaragua has been one of the main factors that affect the degradation of soils of the Caribbean coast.

Recently it was reported that 39.17 % of Nicaragua’s floors are overexploitedwhich indicates irreversible environmental damage to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils that, in part, determine the improvement of soil productivity and guarantee national food security. In this other article we explain how to avoid soil pollution.

You already know better the main environmental problems in Nicaragua, so now we encourage you to discover the natural resources of Nicaragua.

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