[dillondoyle]

Reminds me of Japan's Tsunami Stones [1]. There are other examples around the world.

I spend a lot of time in Guatemala at Lago Atitlan. Only the white people live at water level, the indigenous generally live up higher given the ever changing water line. Probably a combo of white colonialists 'know better' mindset + more $$ so it's not as much as a big deal (waterfront premium as a vacation versus subsistence home).

Too bad we repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/world/asia/21stones.html

[senorjazz]

I was there in 2005 and again 2012 and was astonished at how high the lake had risen, buildings were swamped out, beaches w1here we used to go gone.

The lake was also getting dirty. Actually saw a documentary the other day on how this has only gotten worse. Some terrible pictures of how the lake looks at certain times of the year.

[dillondoyle]

The lake is in a precarious position. Sorry I started writing a reply and this got really long. I'm very passionate and really wish I could help. I have a goal of buying a 2nd home on the lake in the near future...

--

There are periodic 'outbreaks' where the bacteria (I think I don't know it might be some other organism) cover the lake and kill it even further. It's very sad.

If you don't know the history, it was actually white Americans that decided it would be a great idea to bring in non-native fish to turn the lake into a fishing tourist destination. Ended up killing the ecosystem. Combined with a growing population moving to towns around the lake instead of the high farmlands, waste dumping straight into the lake, and very little ecosystem left to clean itself up I'm afraid the lake is in dire need of help.

There was a study recently by the Rotary that examined possible solutions and they came up with building hydro power (the lake sits a a high elevation with a natural 'dam'; it's almost perfectly setup already for this). I forget the mechanism but somehow this was one ID'ed as a top opportunity to clean up the lake, I assume since it would generate revenue.

The problem is corruption and $$$. Everyone has their hand out and there are countless examples of past efforts of small and large scale projects failing for lack of organization and corruption.

I think estimates for the hydro plant was low couple hundred million. It seems so doable especially right now (leverage China vs. Israel/US/Taiwan).

Except for the corruption.

Not sure if I believe this is a bright side or a dire warning: there is a loud and coordinated attack on the CIGIC even in US media big papers are publishing opinion pieces. It's disgusting to me given all that CIGIC has accomplished.

But the potential bright side is clearly the corrupt power class is very worried and maybe with the protection of a few US politicians and Israel CIGIC can fully clean house and Guatemala can continue to improve.

Anyways sorry about this reply again, I started to write a short reply and couldn't stop I'm sure you're not interested but I clearly am lol

[thaumasiotes]

One reason whites live at low altitude in mountainous South America is that they don't suffer so many difficulties carrying pregnancies to term. The natives are better adapted to local conditions.

[senorjazz]

Doesn't really apply here, as the lake side to homes a bit higher up is maybe <100m. IIRC 1600 - 1700. That difference is not effecting anyone.

[thaumasiotes]

Fair enough.