16 December 2008: A series of environmental protection projects run by Salvadorian youths has seen drastic improvements in Chalatenango and Cabañas, including a fall in river pollution and the creation of new nature reserves.

During the past 3 years Plan El Salvador has worked successfully with youths and their communities to complete 23 activities under the initiative, and each one has a story to tell.

Chalatenango: environmental education

The ‘environmental education for all ages’ project in Chalatenango was one of the most popular activities, enjoying high participation from local youths.

Awareness-raising activities were carried out using puppets and mime and the plays ’Saving Planet Earth’ and ’Trees and animals also deserve to live’ were presented.

Children also helped to paint ecological murals in their communities and fun campaigns were implemented in coordination with the environmental division of the national civilian police.

Thanks to their efforts, the campaigns have helped to:

• reduce mosquito reproduction areas
• reduce plastic waste burning that contaminates the air, streams and rivers
• improve basic sanitation in communities.

Cabañas: new nature reserves

In another popular project, youths in Cabañas implemented activities to identify native forest species and install bird nesting boxes. They also supported reforestation efforts, the construction of paths and the construction of fences for the protection of the natural area.

Although the project focus areas are not legally recognised by the state, there is a great level of interest to declare them protected areas at the community and municipal level.