La Huasteca Waterfalls

National Geographic

Huasteca Reunion: Memories with the Pedrosa Family...

          Every year the Pedrosa family eagerly awaits our annual reunion in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This cherished tradition has proven to further bring us together with various memories, laughs, and shared love. Through the gatherings, we dance, sing, and talk with each other mostly reminiscing about our ancestors. As the reunion draws to a close, we embark on our journey to the Huasteca waterfalls, which has proven to be a highlight of our visits. Our eagerness to reach the waterfalls builds as we approach the thundering cascades of water. Here we are surrounded by nature and the culturally infused environment which strengthens our family bonds. This memorable destination reaffirms our sense of annual tradition.

The Legacy of Chinampas & Cascades

          Holding deep historical and cultural significance for indigenous communities, the San Luis Potosí Huasteca waterfalls heavily utilize chinampas, a traditional agricultural technique. This method reflects traditions that have sustained communities for generations. These practices exemplify a symbiotic relationship between human ingenuity and the natural world. Chinampas' primary use is to provide a source of food, however, they source a sense of bond to the surrounding land and appreciation of natural resources. In turn, the waterfalls shape the cultural identities and practices of individuals using the chinampas. 

          Additionally, characterized by cascading descents over rock formations, the waterfalls contribute significantly to the diverse geological landscape of the region. Their powerful existence has not only served as a majestic view but also aided in developing minor ecosystems and providing vital resources for communities. The waterfalls are referred to by locals as sacred sites and are cherished by those who inhabit them. They commonly hold rituals, ceremonies, and communal celebrations. Further solidifying their cultural importance, the Huasteca waterfalls have demonstrated the resourcefulness of indigenous people. 

Economy vs. Environmental Balance

          Tourism in San Luis Potosí, plays a significant role in Mexico's overall economy, contributing directly to GDP, employment, and service exports. The established tourism model highlights its economic importance, with tourism accounting for 8.5% of Mexico's GDP, 5.8% of full-time employment, and a substantial portion of service exports. This underscores the positive impact of tourism on the local economy, providing jobs and revenue streams that support communities and businesses.

          However, the surge in tourism has raised concerns about its environmental effects. The increasing number of international tourists, with 38.3 million arrivals in Mexico in 2022 alone, poses challenges to preserving the region's natural resources. While tourism brings economic benefits, it also strains local ecosystems, contributes to environmental degradation, and threatens the authenticity of indigenous traditions. This highlights the need for sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with cultural preservation.

Reviving Huasteca with Green Solutions

          Proactive strategies and challenges are seen as conservation efforts, by locals for the Huasteca waterfalls, occur. Involving pollution, water quality degradation is substantially ongoing. Data, dated from 2022, revealed concerning levels of pollution, with nearly the entire area categorized as either polluted or highly polluted. This highlights the need for pollution control measures to protect the waterfalls and keep local ecosystems maintained. 

         To combat this pollution, Green infrastructure is highly recommended by environmentalists in the San Luis Potosí region. Green infrastructure details planning natural and semi-natural areas to provide various ecosystem services. Specifically, for the Huasteca waterfalls, this means underscoring wetland restoration and creating green spaces along waterways. Aiming to preserve water quality, these efforts enhance biodiversity, regulate water flow, and prevent erosion. Green spaces have proven to decrease water pollutants and stabilize soils, overall making a better water quality. Through these additions to the waterfalls, we can offer lasting solutions to environmental issues while benefiting the community and ecosystem in San Luis Potosí.

Flowing Forward! 

          The Huasteca waterfalls symbolize a vital portion of my heritage, involving both memories and environmental issues. Advocating for green infrastructure offers a holistic approach to addressing the current polluted water. We can preserve the waterfalls surrounding ecosystems and communities for future generations to enjoy.