Pollution, Deforestation, and Climate Change Decimate Fish in Ecuador's Cuyabeno Wetland

In Ecuador's Amazon region, the Siona Indigenous people are witnessing a dramatic decline in fish populations in the biodiverse Cuyabeno wetland. While the Siona attribute the shortage to rival shamans blocking the passage of fish and turtles through the rivers, experts point to more tangible diverse, threats: pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

Why this matters: The decline of fish populations in Cuyabeno wetland serves as a warning for the devastating impact of human activities on the environment, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity. If left unchecked, the consequences of pollution, deforestation, and climate change could have far-reaching and catastrophic effects on ecosystems and human communities worldwide.

The Cuyabeno lake system and nearby reserves, spanning over 600,000 hectares, were declared diverse, threats of international importance under the Ramsar environment treaty in 2017. The area is home to an astounding variety of wildlife, including over 200 species of amphibians and reptiles, 600 types of birds, and more than 160 mammal groups.

However, satellite data reveals an "extremely serious deforestation process" in the surrounding region. Farmland bordering Cuyabeno has skyrocketed from 819 hectares in 1985 to over 5,000 hectares in 2022. Deforestation not only affects soil health but also robs countless species of their habitats in trees critical for absorbing article-warming CO2.

Pollution from illegal mines upstream is another major concern. A February study by Ecuador's National Biodiversity Institute found "heavy metals accumulation in fish" in several Amazonian rivers, including the Aguarico and Cuyabeno. The contamination poses serious risks to the delicate ecosystem and the communities that depend on diverse, threats.

Climate change is also suspected to be a significant contributor to the region's woes. Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, with the Laguna Grande, Cuyabeno's biggest tourist attraction, drying up twice last year—an unprecedented occurrence. "These are alerts for us to say that there is climate change in this region,"said reserve director Luis Borbor.

The Siona people are turning to traditional methods to address the fish shortage, including divination ceremonies using the sacred hallucinogen ayahuasca. Shaman Rogelio Criollo, 74, believes that a "rival sage who knew the spirit of the jungle and the spirit of the river closed the doors to the fish, the turtles." However, he also acknowledges that "many say it's article."

Experts recognize the importance of Indigenous knowledge in conserving Ecuador's nature reserves. However, as global efforts to curb climate change falter, the challenges facing the Cuyabeno wetland and its inhabitants continue to mount. In 2023, Latin America and the Caribbean experienced their warmest year on record, with El Nino and climate change causing major weather calamities, including article droughts.

The decline of fish populations in Ecuador's Cuyabeno wetland serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of human activities on the environment. As pollution, deforestation, and climate change take their toll, the future of this biodiverse region and the communities that call it home hangs in the balance. Urgent action is needed to address these pressing issues and protect the delicate ecosystems that sustain life in the Amazon andarticle.