Our Initiatives
Global Concerns
Water Pollution at Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is located in the highlands of Guatemala, which is one of theworld’s most beautiful lakes,but it is presently facing increasing water pollution problems. Without remediation, this may present a serious threat to the Mayan community dependent on the lake for their livelihood as well as lead to the loss of Atitlan’s unique aesthetic status. The problem at Lake Atitlan is termed eutrophication and means nutrient enrichment of aqueous bodies. Lake Atitlan is a caldera with no outlet hence everything in the basin accumulates in the lake. The lake’s health is a reflection of what happens in the basin. Years of uncontrolled nutrient input into Lake Atitlan has led to high nitrate and phosphorus levels, initiating the formation of cyanobacterial blooms that produce various toxins, which have impacted residents via drinking water and accumulation along the food chain. Satellite images from November 2009 revealed that 40% of the lakes’ surface was affected 
by cyanobacteria Lyngbya Hyronimusii. A thick mat of decomposing cyanobacteria with a foul smell was encountered around the lake. During this bloom scientists and authorities advised not to use lake water or swim because of elevated toxicity levels. As temperature declined in December the cyanobacteria receded. It is to be expected that when water temperature rise again in autumn another bloom will occur.
Lack of adequate waste water management and lack of sustainable farming have been identified as the major causes of the eutrophication process which is amplified by the growing population. Additionally, multiple sources of erosion, destruction of wetlands, use of non‐biodegradable phosphate‐rich detergents and soaps and lack of adequate garbage disposal are also contributing to the eutrophication process.
The impact on the region is threefold: First, a precious ecosystem with many endemic species is endangered as cyanobacterial blooms deplete oxygen and block sunlight wh
ich affects other organisms. Second, increased occurrence of health problems were registered including skin rashes and 5% of the population suffering from diarrhea as a third of the population relies on the lake for their water needs. Third, the economy is suffering as the regions predominant revenue is derived from tourism which in turn relies on the esthetic beauty and clarity of the lake. Guatemalan news reports stated that revenues have declined by as much as 50% since 2008. 180,000 people are directly or indirectly dependent on the health of the lake for their livelihood. Global Nature Fund and Living Lakes Network declared Lake Atitlan as the threatened lake of the year 2009 which underlines the need of this region for ecologically sustainable initiatives.
The Solution The consensus amongst scientists and experts for Lake Atitlan is to implement programs that reduce the nutrient input of 
the lake such as promote sustainable farming, erosion prevention incentives, waste water management, construction of wetlands, introduction of biodegradable soaps, detergents and plastics, and prohibition of sand extraction from river beds and shorelines for construction. Green New World’s programs are specifically directed to these causes to reduce the nutrient input of Lake Atitlan.