The quebradas are beautiful and useful, but they can also become polluted when people throw trash into them or when waste washes down from higher up in the hills. This pollution affects the fish, plants, and animals that depend on the water — and it can make it unsafe for people, too. The water that comes out of the tap in the kitchen is not safe to drink without boiling first.
Another issue is deforestation. Some families cut down trees to make space for crops. While this helps them in the short term, it can lead to soil erosion and fewer trees to protect the land from heavy rain. Finding a balance between using natural resources and protecting them is one of the biggest challenges people in La Peca face today.
People in La Peca have learned to adapt to their environment in many smart and creative ways. Because of the heavy rain, most houses are built with tin roofs that let water run off easily.
People here rely on teamwork and tradition. Neighbors often watch each other’s children while parents work in the chacras (family farms), and many cook traditional dishes using firewood. This not only saves gas but also keeps cultural recipes alive.
My host family used to live on their chacra full time but now own a house in town. They only go up to the chacra to seed, harvest, and take care of the large herd of cows that live in the chacra.
