The communities from the Bay of Jiquilisco are suffering from diseases that are being caused by industrial companies. The soil has been contaminated by the use of toxic herbicides and fertilizers. The burning of the sugar cane fields contaminates the air and is creating respiratory illnesses among the children in the community. Dr. Anny Argeta a kidney specialist in Ciudad Romero informed the reporter that one of the leading causes of death in the region is kidney failure. The local hospitals have reported the increase of respiratory and bronchial illnesses amongst children. Such chemicals used by industrial companies contaminate the water/soil and this leads to kidney failure and respiratory diseases.
But not only are these toxic chemicals affecting the health of the community but they are also contaminating their food sources and playing with their food security. Salvadorians have seen the necessity of the local farmers and the need to protect the fauna and the mangrove forests and have developed organizations that look out for the livelihood of the people and the local ecosystems. Such organizations are the Mangrove Association, La Coordinadora and EcoVIVA. Such organizations have motivated local communities to push industrial companies to increase sustainable farming, organic foods, food security and all other environmental friendly methods.
Alonzo Sosa who is part of the environmental unit of the Municipality of Tecoluca encourages local governments, communities and journalists to join the movement because, it is important that Salvadorians reclaim there natural resources.
Title: Facing Climate Change, A Social Movement In El Salvador Fights Mass Flooding And The Toxic Burning Of Cane Fields.
Publication: Al Jazeera, 15 February 2011
Author: Dahr Jamail
URL: english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/02/2011213174138761638.html
Evaluator: Lourdes Alvarez (WIC Dietician)
Student Researcher: Cynthia Solano, Sonoma State University