Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay faces pollution crisis, but local fishermen are fighting back. A new app is empowering residents to document and report environmental damage.
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| Rio's Guanabara Bay is under threat from pollution, but a new app is giving citizens a voice. "De Olho na Guanabara" is empowering residents to take action. Symbolic image |
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - September 07, 2024:
The iconic Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, a scenic marvel framed by Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, has a dark secret – rampant water pollution from oil and chemical spills. But local fishermen are fighting back with a powerful tool: a smartphone app.
Concerned about the environmental impact, NGOs 350.org and the Association of Men and Women of the Sea of Guanabara Bay (Rede Ahomar) developed "De Olho na Guanabara" (Eye on Guanabara). Launched in late July, the app empowers fishermen to record and report water pollution incidents.
The app's success is evident – 70 users have registered, and already, 27 reports have been analyzed and made public, with 126 more awaiting review. Alexandre Anderson de Sousa, a fisherman and president of Rede Ahomar, highlights the app's long development period, showcasing their commitment to the cause.
But the fight extends beyond fishermen. Residents and environmentalists can also use the app to report suspected spills, attaching photos and videos with location data. This citizen science approach provides valuable information to authorities.
"Each report is an alert," says Luiz Afonso Rosario, campaign coordinator for 350.org. He emphasizes the app's role in highlighting how pollution harms a national treasure and contributes to the climate crisis.
There are glimmers of hope. Giselle Menezes, water quality manager at Rio's environmental institute (Inea), reports improvements in some areas of Guanabara Bay due to investments in sanitation infrastructure. Inea also conducts independent monitoring and inspections alongside verifying app reports.
This fight against pollution holds positive implications for marine life. Scientists have observed healthier sea turtles in the bay, potentially recovering from a tumor disease linked to poor water quality.
The De Olho na Guanabara app exemplifies the power of technology and community collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. With continued vigilance and action, the breathtaking Guanabara Bay might finally have a chance to heal.