Aquatic
ecosystems
Peru counts with about 18 000 lakes, wetlands and rivers
inhabited by at least 855 species of fish and many others.
Generally the lakes and rivers are not only used as
sources for potable water but also as a possibility to get
rid of all kinds of waste and contaminants originating
from domestic and industrial sewage.
The Peruvian population has become used to throw whatever
kind of waste into the rivers passing through their
villages. The mining industry deposits their wastewater in
lakes and rivers near the mines, like for example the lake Junin, causing severe ecological damage.
So for example the river Mantaro can be considered
biologically dead. Because of the high level of pollution
there is no life in this river. The same is true for the
final part of the river Rímac near the capital Lima.
© Michael Tweddle
Mundo Azul aims to raise
awareness about the lack of protection of the Peruvian
aquatic ecosystems, which form a basic element for the
existence of all life forms including the human being.
With the idea to call for attention for the lack of
protection, scientific investigation and recuperation
measures for this ecosystems, Mundo Azul organized in July
2000 the first multidisciplinary diving expedition to
three lakes in the north of Peru:
Laguna de los Condores.
Laguna Pomacochas.
Laguna Mishacochas.
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