The over-exploitation of the Colorado River also affects Latinos

The Colorado River, which is approximately 2,330 km or 1,450 miles long, originates in the states of Wyoming and Colorado in the United States and flows through Utah and New Mexico, which is the upper basin, and Arizona, Nevada, and California, which is the lower basin.

The Colorado River faces a growing threat from overexploitation and climate change. Jerónimo Vásquez, Coconino County supervisor and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, tells us about the current situation regarding water availability and the measurements taken to allocate water to the states, which is not sustainable.

Jerónimo Vásquez, Coconino County Supervisor and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, Flagstaff, AZ, points out how Latino communities will be affected by this situation in the basin.

Jerónimo Vásquez, Coconino County Supervisor and member of the HECHO Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, acknowledges that the greatest impact is felt in agriculture.

He says that the recreational economy will also be affected.

In addition, Jerónimo Vásquez, Coconino County supervisor and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, says that hunting and fishing are affected, and a large part of the community involved in these activities is Latino.

Another affected population group is the indigenous people. Let’s hear from Jerónimo Vásquez, Coconino County supervisor and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council.

He acknowledges that the region faces differences and that, more than a century after the Colorado River Compact, the agreement needs to be renewed.

Jerónimo Vásquez, Coconino County supervisor and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, points out that the 1922 Colorado River Compact does not necessarily reflect current needs and the challenges we face.

He also says that the estimates available do not reflect reality, as the models used assume that there will always be water.

Jerónimo Vásquez, Coconino County supervisor and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, affirms that it is important to increase Latino participation not only in deciding on the new agreement but also in conservation.

This report is part of the series “Cuando se seca el arroyo”, funded in part by The Walton Family Foundation.