// VIEWS

A visual story of pollution, resistance, and survival along Guatemala’s Chinautla River and its Poqomam communities. 

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, one-third of the rivers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia are severely affected by pathogenic pollution. Pollution and sand extraction threaten the Maya Poqomam people in Santa Cruz Chinautla, Guatemala, displacing communities and endangering their heritage and livelihood. 

Only ten kilometres north of Guatemala City, the Chinautla River transforms into a massive dumping ground. Two-thirds of the capital’s waste ends up in its waters, which flow toward the Caribbean Sea, carrying garbage, toxic waste, and industrial pollutants. The contamination has devastated the Maya Poqomam community of Santa Cruz Chinautla, endangering their health, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. 

The region’s environmental crisis is further exacerbated by unregulated sand extraction and mining, which operate without state oversight or community consent. Despite legal protections under international agreements, Indigenous residents face displacement, disease, and the destruction of their ancestral land. In response, local leaders and community organisations have mobilised to defend their rights, seeking justice and environmental restoration in the face of growing threats. 

Aerial view of Chinautla showing the river and bridge. The Chinautla flows into the Las Vacas, then the Motagua, and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.
Amusement rides in the old town, November 2024. Despite widespread neglect, local traditions continue.
People cross the bridge to the old town of Chinautla, moving through a landscape where garbage constantly accumulates.
A man carries a truck tire by hand. With few job opportunities, many collect riverborne waste to sell or reuse.
Despite pollution and official neglect, the town festival still takes place. Residents navigate streets lined with ever-growing piles of garbage.
Children play in the contaminated river, November 2024. Poor hygiene and pollution severely affect their health and environment.
The Chinautla River, choked with waste from Guatemala City. Two-thirds of the capital’s garbage ends up here, endangering communities and ecosystems.
Access to clean water is scarce in Chinautla. Stray dogs drink from the polluted river, often becoming sick and dying quickly.
Trucks used for public transport and sand hauling. These vehicles support unregulated sand mining, carried out without community consultation.
Aerial view of sand mines near the river, November 2024. Unchecked mining by major companies has caused environmental damage and displaced families.
A family affected by passing sand trucks. Many homes are collapsing, forcing residents to leave with nowhere else to go.
A sand truck drives through Chinautla, November 2024. Hundreds pass daily, contributing to uncontrolled land collapses. Many are heavy-duty trucks imported from the U.S.
Sand extraction by machinery, November 2024. The process alters riverbeds and disrupts the natural flow, fueling Guatemala’s construction industry.
A barrier of tires attempts to stop street collapse. Many families face home loss with no safe alternatives.
Inside a home damaged by land collapse.
Close-up of the river with white foam from upstream chemicals. Discoloured water is a common sight due to industrial waste.