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Rationale behind our move to Tijuana River, Mexico
The Tijuana River flows 190 kilometers through the mountains and deserts of northwest Mexico before reaching the Pacific Ocean where it forms the Tijuana River Estuary. The estuary, a US National Estuarine Research Reserve, is made up of many diverse and sensitive habitats, including beaches, sand dunes, mudflats, salt marshes, and vernal pools. Spanning 930 hectares, it is home to 29 species of fish, 29 species of reptile and amphibian, and 370 species of bird. The estuary also protects ten endangered species including the San Diego fairy shrimp, the light-footed clapper rail, and the salt marsh bird’s beak.
RiverRecycle aims to initiate a recycling and river waste collection project in Tijuana that would not only clean the rivers, and recycle plastic, but also offer economic benefits to the needy local community residing along the river corridors. The recycling part of the RiverRecycle intervention aims to produce recycled plastic boards out of the collected plastic trash that will be used for construction. The product is replacing plywood and can be used for many purposes f.ex. formwork, temporary shelters, schools, canteens and furniture etc. In case excess capacity is available, plastic boards can be sold and exported to other locations and applications.
The problem has been frequently reported by the national and international media, and, through the years, several meetings related to the situation have taken place. Unfortunately, to this day, the issue remains urgent. Both parties welcomed and expressed confidence in RiverRecycle to collaborate in the efforts leading to a sustainable solution that benefits the sea health, the environment and the affected people.
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