However, in order for the decision to preserve biodiversity be complete, people from the area claim that the area be also declared free from GM crops.

The law that created the National System of Protected Areas also establishes that public hearings to gather the opinions of the community be held.

This way, over 150 people met on February 24th at the Rural Promotion Association from Rincon del Colorado, located near Santa Lucia river. This river is the main source of drinking water for the metropolitan area, which includes over 1.5 million people.

The wetland in question is one of the most important of the Uruguayan coastline, home of a great variety of native flora and fauna. Over 130 endangered species can be found in the region.

The proposal demands to declare the area free from genetically modified crops. “Evidence of GM contamination found in corn crops in our country, together with an intensive use of agrochemicals make GMOs incompatible with the declaration of a protected area”. “Wetlands, as biodiversity deposits, should be kept as a priority in terms of preservation of native species and against GM contamination”.

Photo: Indymedia Uruguay