Environmental Management of the Puyango–Tumbes River Basin in Ecuador and Peru

Abstract

The problem of polluted and mismanaged watersheds is becoming increasingly acute throughout the world. One such watershed is the Puyango–Tumbes river basin, which is located within Ecuador and Peru. This bi-national watershed, which drains into the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most important regions along the Pacific coast in South America. It encompasses a large diverse land area, parts of which are devoted to agriculture. The Puyango–Tumbes River is an important source of water for irrigating crops that are grown in the agricultural regions. This is especially important for crops grown in the downstream valleys located on the north and south sides of the river.