**U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar Evaluates Progress on Tijuana River Clean-Up as His Tenure Nears End**
During a visit to Rancho Las Flores in the Cañón del Matadero, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar marked his farewell to the regions of Tijuana and San Diego by overseeing the progress of an ongoing environmental project initiated three years ago. This initiative, in partnership with the organization Costa Salvaje, focuses on the cleanup of a section of the Tijuana River—a significant source of pollution affecting the beaches of San Diego.
The project’s primary goal is to mitigate the contamination issues caused by debris flowing northward from the Tijuana River, which pollutes California’s shores. This entails the installation of waste traps, construction of essential infrastructure, and strategic cleaning approaches designed to prevent tons of waste, whether discarded by locals or carried by rains, from reaching the beaches and impacting the border areas between Mexico and the United States.
**Collaboration and Achievements**
“We are here at the Tijuana River project. Upon my arrival three years ago, we visited this site knowing the river’s long-standing history of pollution affecting both the Tijuana community and cities in California. Beaches like Imperial Beach and others were closed for miles. We applied significant efforts along with the U.S. government and regulatory administrator Michael S. Regan, who also joined us in Tijuana for coordinating significant investments in water treatment plants. Mexico has also contributed its part,” stated Ambassador Salazar.
Echoing the sentiment of cooperation, the ambassador highlighted the advancements made possible through the binational agreement known as Act 320, which commits both countries to allocate resources for infrastructure development and strategies to ensure the river’s sanitation.
**Commitment to a Sustainable Environment**
Rosario Norzagaray, Marine Waste Manager for Costa Salvaje, emphasized the importance of the agreement and its impact on the local community. “There is a list of projects outlined in Act 320 which allowed both governments to invest resources—vital for advancing this effort. Residents of Tijuana deserve the right to live in clean and healthy communities, a constitutional right we must guarantee,” Norzagaray asserted.
**Local Absences and Future Plans**
Although Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila and Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño were not present during the work meetings with Ambassador Salazar, he acknowledged the collaboration from the Mexican government and advocated for continued binational cooperation.
The comprehensive plan for the Tijuana River’s restoration involves more treatment plants, waste trap installations, and promoting a culture of cleanliness. These actions aim to prevent waste from polluting water bodies or obstructing waterways during rainy seasons, thus contributing to better environmental health in the border region.
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**Secondary Article: U.S.-Mexico Border Environmental Efforts Gain Momentum**
Beyond Tijuana, the push for robust environmental solutions along the U.S.-Mexico border continues to gain traction. With increasing awareness of cross-border pollution issues, both nations have intensified efforts to address longstanding ecological challenges.
Recent collaborations have seen the development of new water treatment facilities not just in Tijuana, but also in key border cities that witness significant transboundary pollution. These initiatives, through shared funding and scientific exchange, aim to bolster the region’s resilience against environmental degradation.
With increased pollution concerns affecting public health and local economies, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable environmental practices and infrastructure. The advancements in these areas stand as a testament to the positive outcomes of international cooperation in tackling common challenges, ensuring healthier environments for both nations.
Both the U.S. and Mexico continue to work on legislative and community-level measures to reduce pollution and enhance conservation efforts from rivers and air quality to wildlife protection. These efforts include educational programs aimed at fostering environmental stewardship among younger generations, highlighting the shared responsibility in maintaining ecological harmony at the border.