AMSA

Authority for the Sustainable Management of the Amatitlán Basin and Lake

Contact:
Moises Córdoba – TEL 3755-0295
Head of the Amatitlán Division

Importance of Lake Amatitlán

It is the 4th most important water reservoir in Guatemala.
It extends over 18 linear kilometers forming this body of water.

Programs and Activities

Reforestation: every Friday.
Cleanup Day: Saturdays at Amatitlán’s public beach at 8:00 AM.

The Lake Basin

Composed of three zones: upper, middle, and lower.
Sacatepéquez and Guatemala are part of the upper basin.

Fundamental Knowledge

Key bibliography: Books by Carlos de León Palacios:
- Topography and Demography of Guatemala
Key process: the hydrological cycle.
Every 10 years differences are observed in climatic conditions and temperature parameters.

The Hydrological Cycle

Clouds form from particles rising through thermal formation.
When clouds darken, they contain more particles.
Rainwater evaporates again, depending on soil permeability.
If soil absorption changes, the cycle is altered.
Deforestation disrupts the cycle by reducing green areas for construction and industrial processes.
The removal of a single tree impacts microorganisms, fauna, and entire ecosystems.

Waste Generation

Each person produces an average of 1.5 pounds of waste per day.
The Sacatepéquez landfill is insufficient; tons are redirected to the Villa Nueva dump.
AMSA was not created to collect garbage, but to protect the lake.

Lake Amatitlán

Upper Basin

In Sacatepéquez, 3 rivers pass through:

Pensativo
Guacalate
(A third river missing in the notes)

These rivers do not flow into the Villalobos or Naranjo.

Villalobos River

Receives water from 7 rivers.
Has an impressive mechanical force.
All sediment eventually reaches the lake.

Microorganisms

The most prevalent: E. coli (from cattle and humans).
2024: the first genetics laboratory was established.
Causes skin problems and complications if in contact with ears and nose.

Volunteering

Targeted at community and tourism leaders.
Awareness programs on waste and residue management.

Environmental Legislation

Environmental Improvement Law (2010): seeks to reestablish waste management.
2013: PET plastics and styrofoam were banned.
Agreement 164-2021: protests regarding waste classification.

Forest Situation

Upper municipalities: San Lucas, Milpas Altas, Santiago.
Only 18.8% of forest cover remains.
Issues: population growth, land-use changes, expansion of agricultural frontiers.

Reforestation Strategies

Active until October 2025 (began in April).
Goal: build sustainably without harming ecosystems.
Recommended endemic trees:
- False pepper tree
- Red pine
- Jacaranda
- Matilisguate

Current Projects

New website: www.amsa.com.gt
Expansion of treatment plants to prevent excessive waste from reaching the lake.
Bio-fences now replace the old floating water hyacinths.

Influencing Factors

Governance:
- Land-use planning
- Integrated waste management plans (PIRDES)
Demand for physical space
Population growth

Municipalities and Governance

Guatemala has 340 municipalities.
Only 4 municipalities have approved land-use plans.
Very few include budgets to implement them.

Waste Management

Waste Classification

Organic: fruit remains, eggshells.
Recyclable: paper, cardboard, metals, glass.
Plastics: 7 different types.

Chip bags: recyclable.
Small bottles: non-recyclable.
Non-recyclable: all other waste is compacted.

Sanitary and Environmental Standards

Classification, separation, and storage.
Collection and transport.
Recovery and recycling.
Treatment.

Awareness and Volunteering Programs

Lake Amatitlán: Green Will, Blue Commitment.
Ecoacción Universitaria: university volunteering program.

Final Data

Guatemala has 38 rivers.
35 billion hectares of national territory.

Key question:
Will we provoke change starting today, or will everything remain the same?