Environmentalists call for saving Bogota's wetlands amid urban expansion

Wetlands environmentalists in Bogota, Colombia's capital have been fighting to preserve this fragile ecosystem against the backdrop of rapid urban expansion.

The beautiful marshes are a natural haven from Bogota's concrete jungle. More than just a peaceful scene, they are also a habitat for 196 endemic bird species, including 65 migratory birds.

"Bogota is a very important place for migratory birds that are passing from the northern hemisphere to the south. The marshes are like airports for the birds," said Dolly Palacio, an professor at Territory Studies Externado University.

Experts say these floodplains perform many roles in regulating the environment. Wetlands act as a sponge by retaining water through the rainy seasons. They regulate floods and water availability and help mitigate the extreme effects of climate change.

"We had more than 50,000 hectares of marshes in Bogota and its outskirts," said Emmanuel Escobar, director of Bogota Wetlands Foundation.

But today these marshes are in a battle for survival. Eleven of Bogota's wetlands are recognized as District Ecological Parks. Six more are awaiting recognition to become officially protected zones by the local government.

Moreover, the city has just endured a year of water rationing. Officials say the city has several challenges to keep its water resources past 2033.

Wetlands have been damaged by rapid urban expansion and poor planning in the city.

The city's Torca Guaymaral Wetlands is supposed to connect the Torca mountain range with Bogota's river, but now severed by the city's main highway.

According to Bogota's Wetlands Foundation, less than 2 percent of the original area of these marshes still exists today.

The foundation says the damage is done. Wetlands that have been lost, but citizens in Bogota have played an important role in conservation efforts - pushing for the protection of what is left.

"The neighbors of these marshlands are essential. They were the ones who have asked the city to stop, and say we need to protect and recuperate them. They became empowered and learned about nature and the environment, as well as the laws in place that protect them," said Escobar.

Environmentalists call for saving Bogota's wetlands amid urban expansion

Environmentalists call for saving Bogota's wetlands amid urban expansion

China's commissioning of "five essentials for aircraft carriers" marks a a significant achievement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s accelerated transformation and development, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

The "five essentials" refer to stealth carrier-based fighters, multirole catapult-assisted carrier-based fighters, fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

"The package, or what media have dubbed the 'five essentials for aircraft carriers,' is a vital link in forming the systematic combat capability of aircraft carrier formations and a significant achievement in the PLA Navy’s accelerated transformation and development. Building a strong PLA Navy embodies the Chinese nation's long-cherished aspiration of striving to be a strong naval power and serves as an important guarantee for realizing national rejuvenation. In the new era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi, the modernization of the PLA Navy has become increasingly solid and powerful. From the air to the sea, from coastal waters to the open ocean, the types and functions of various weapons platforms have been continuously improved, achieving leapfrog development and innovative breakthroughs, providing stronger guarantees for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.

Spokesman confirms commissioning of 'five essentials' for carriers