Ipiales launches initiative to acquire land for water source protection

The Ipiales Mayor's Office, through the Department of Environment and Sustainability, has launched a call for voluntary land proposals to protect regional water sources. The initiative seeks to identify and potentially acquire strategic properties to facilitate the conservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of ecosystems linked to vital water resources.

The program targets lands in Ipiales, Cumbal, and Cuaspud (Carlosama), specifically those within the direct influence zones of the Blanco and Chiquito rivers. Property owners in Aldana and Guachucal may also participate if their land is part of the relevant watersheds.

This strategy follows recent water supply challenges in Ipiales. The Blanco River basin is a critical regional water source, and previous discussions in August included the possibility of relocating the Blanco River intake and developing new infrastructure to improve resource availability.