Quinoa crop hit: Drought and heat: Lake Titicaca is nearing an all-time low

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According to data from the Peruvian Meteorological Service, the lake’s water level has fallen by more than half a meter since April to 3808.19 meters above sea level. The lowest level on the Peruvian side so far was measured in December 1996 at 3808.10 meters.

The quinoa crop collapsed

The lack of water due to the low water level has recently led to serious crop losses in the region. The quinoa crop fell by 90 percent, radio station RPP reported, citing the Chamber of Commerce of the Puno region. Fishing, hunting and tourism are also affected.

Lake Titicaca lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia and, with an area of ​​about 8400 square kilometers, is the largest freshwater lake in South America. Located in the high Andes, it is the highest commercially navigable body of water in the world.

Water quality continues to decline

As a drinking water reservoir, the lake is of great importance for about two million people in the region. Because most of the wastewater from the surrounding towns and mines flows into the lake untreated, the water quality continues to decline. The environmental protection organization Global Nature Fund has declared Lake Titicaca as the endangered lake of the year 2023.

(SDA)

Source: Blick