Renowned thought leaders and eco river activists, Regan Hillyer and Juan Pablo Barahona, have raised concerns about the critical state of Costa Rica’s TArcoles River, also known as the ‘Crocodile River.’ Hillyer and Barahona are committed to raising public awareness about the issue and urging local authorities to prioritise implementing proper infrastructure. Their mission is to inspire a sense of responsibility among all Costa Ricans to protect their river heritage and advocate for measures to improve water quality and ecosystem preservation.
QUEPOS, Costa Rica, July 19, 2023 Thought Leaders and Eco River Activists Sound the Alarm on the Perilous State of Costa Rica’s TArcoles River
The TArcoles River, known as the ‘Crocodile River’ locally, has long captivated visitors with its impressive crocodile population. However, Regan Hillyer and Juan Pablo Barahona, renowned thought leaders and eco river activists, are shedding light on a disturbing reality. Just a few miles upstream from the crocodile habitat, the TArcoles River faces severe pollution challenges, jeopardizing its delicate ecosystem.
The primary culprit behind the pollution crisis in Costa Rica’s TArcoles River is the discharge of untreated wastewater from neighboring towns and cities. With inadequate wastewater treatment facilities, urban areas, including Orotina, contribute to the problem by directly releasing untreated sewage and waste materials into the river. Furthermore, agricultural runoff from nearby farms introduces harmful substances such as pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals, which further degrade the water quality.
This toxic combination of untreated wastewater and agricultural runoff leads to the accumulation of nutrients in the river, triggering algal blooms and other detrimental effects that harm fish and other aquatic species. The consequences reverberate throughout the ecosystem, including the iconic crocodile population, threatening their health and survival.
Scientific studies have revealed the devastating impacts of pollution on crocodiles and other aquatic species. Exposure to high levels of chemicals and heavy metals can result in neurological damage and reproductive issues. The contamination of the river also disrupts the food chain, reducing resources available for crocodiles as their prey becomes sick or dies. Over time, pollution exposure leads to chronic health problems and shortened life spans for all river-dwelling species.
Reports have surfaced of declining crocodile populations in areas where the river water has been contaminated by industrial waste and pollutants, reinforcing the urgent need for action.
In response to this environmental crisis, Hillyer and Barahona are championing the cause of the TArcoles River. They are determined to raise public awareness of the ongoing damage and exert pressure on local authorities to prioritise the implementation of adequate infrastructure. By advocating for sustainable solutions and promoting the preservation of the river’s delicate balance, they seek to safeguard not only the crocodile habitat but also the essential life source that the river represents.
The mission of Hillyer and Barahona is to inspire a sense of responsibility and consciousness among all Costa Ricans regarding their river heritage. They firmly believe in the importance of protecting all rivers and aquatic habitats from pollution and implementing measures to improve water quality and preserve the ecosystem.
“It’s NOT okay to continue to pollute the life-source that is the river environment!” Hillyer asserts, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Barahona emphasises that the communities benefiting from tourism and farming near the river will be the first to suffer the consequences if further degradation occurs. Thus, it is imperative for all inhabitants of Costa Rica to be informed about the river’s health.
Through their dedicated efforts, Hillyer and Barahona aim to compel relevant authorities to take action and establish the necessary infrastructure, ensuring a better future for all, where humans coexist harmoniously with the life-giving source that is the river.
Pull Quote
“It’s NOT okay to continue to pollute the life-source that is the river environment!”
Media Contact
SoulBeat, SoulBeat, 61 390135872, media@reganhillyer.com
SOURCE SoulBeat
