Ecobreves – CUBA: Saving a Natural Pool

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

HAVANA, May 31 2004 (IPS) - A canal to begin curbing the severe contamination of Los Cangilones del Río Máximo, a natural pool set 550 km east of the Cuban capital, is nearly ready to begin operating. Sources form the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment confirmed for Tierramérica that the project, extending 1,700 meters, would be complete before World Environment Day, June 5.

This natural limestone pool is 350 meters long and is unique in the Cuban landscape. It has been heavily polluted in recent years by the waste produced at a nearby fish farming station.

Because the pool water had become clouded, the rocks stained, and sediment collected in the lake bed, environmental authorities had to ban swimming and close down the nearby campground.