EARTH WEEK (APRIL 28TH TO MAY 2nd).

The IGCA members sent these messages to the whole school community through VISTA each day during the Earth Week:

Earth Week Day 1 WATER: El Río Sapo is the cleanest and one of the most beautiful rivers in El Salvador. It is located in Morazán, 5 kilometres from Juateca. It is believed that it was named after the five alluring species that live there, including three frogs and two toads.

Water conservation means to use water wisely and to properly take care of it. We all depend on water for life so we need to learn how to conserve it. Only 87% of Salvadorans have access to safe water.  

Earth Week Day 2 The Tree: The Maquilishuat Tree is the national tree of El Salvador. It can reach 30 meters high and its flowers are in bloom from February through May. It is estimated that there are 800 species of trees in El Salvador. The tree is extremely important for our planet because it is a source of oxygen, it reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it absorbs water to keep fresh water sinks, and holds soil together preventing erosion. It is an important source of medicine, wood, and habitat for many living species. Let’s preserve the species by planting a tree!

Earth Week Day 3 BIODIVERSITY: Our national bird is Torogoz, also known as turquoise-browed Motmot, it symbolises freedom and union. Only 2% of El Salvador forests are left, there are 241 species which are in danger of extinction including the armadillo, and Ceiba tree. The main threats of biodiversity are over-exploitation of biological resources, industrial and urban development and inadequate farming practices. 

Day 4 (National Holiday)

Earth Week Day 5 Tropical Forest: A paramount place for its diversity and richness, El Imposible forest holds haven for more than 15,000 species of animals and plants. With it being an endangered habitat, El Imposible is a great resource for medicinal plants, being visited by more than 20,000 visitors annually. With only 2% of El Salvador's initial flora and fauna still alive and sustaining, El Imposible is still able to maintain its beauty and transcendence.