On World Environment Day, soldiers of the Humanitarian Demining Engineers Brigade, with the support of environmental authorities, carry out recycling activities in the departments of Antioquia, Huila and Caquetá.
This year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and different institutions and organizations are emphasizing awareness-raising and operations to mitigate plastic and microplastic pollution.
This is how, from 2022 to date, mine clearance specialists have made use of more than 6,500 kilograms of usable solid waste, bottles, bags and containers, among other plastics.
Alejandra Espitia, environmental engineer of the Humanitarian Demining Engineers Brigade, highlighted: "Mine clearance specialists promote activities with the support of the people where solid waste collection is carried out, evidencing the problems that have been generated in water sources and strategic ecosystems due to the accumulation of these wastes, especially plastics, whose components take millions of years to decompose."
"When communities do not have a culture of proper recycling, they leave plastics in any area, altering ecosystems and damaging fauna and flora habitats," said Soldier José Hernán Ulloa, environmental promoter of the Humanitarian Demining Brigade.
In the commemoration activities of this important date, communities are invited to become aware of this issue for the protection of the environment.
It is worth mentioning that in the areas where mine clearance specialists work and carry out their daily activities, plastic waste segregation campaigns are being carried out for temporary storage and subsequent use with the support of local organizations and actors.
Source: Press – Humanitarian Demining Brigade.
