Laguna Fúquene

Colombia

Current News

February 2010

Publications of Fundación Humedales, in Spanish

The vast shallow lagoon is located in the east of the Colombian Andes, in an altitude of 2,540 m, approximately 80 km from Bogota. 200 families, fishermen and basketmakers depend directly on the lagoon. The water volume of the lagoon decreased by one metre in the past 30 years because of excessive water withdrawal of the tributaries for irrigation purposes. Additionally 6,700 tons of sediments are deposited every year in the lagoon.

Problems are caused by eutrophication as well as the introduced water hyacinth spreading out excessively. Uncontrolled hunting of waterfowls is another severe problem.

Our partner organisation is compiling exact data. In 1988, 260 different bird species, among them more than 50 nesters were counted.

In 2009, native tree and shrub species were cultivated along borders of pastures and fields. These “living fences” offer natural habitats for animals and plants. Further information about the project “Living Fences” can be found on the separate project page.

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Travelogue by Marion Hammerl, August 2006