Destruction of the Río Grande and Its Impact on Local CommunitiesCEFR A2
1 Nov 2025
Adapted from Latin America Bureau, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Marcus Dall Col, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
The Río Grande, located in Oaxaca, is suffering from large-scale sand extraction. Local workers are removing sand and gravel from the river every day. This practice harms the environment and threatens local wildlife. Many community members remember swimming in the river safely, but now they worry about pollution and danger.
Locals are trying to stop this exploitation. They believe it harms their lives and the area around them. Community leaders are working together to raise awareness about the issues caused by sand extraction. They want to protect their home and the river.
Difficult words
- extraction — the act of taking something from a place.
- community — a group of people living in the same area.community members
- wildlife — animals and plants living in their natural environment.
- pollution — harmful substances in the environment.
- protect — to keep safe from harm.
- environment — the natural world around us.
- raise — to increase awareness or attention.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can communities protect their natural resources?
- Why is it important to work together on environmental issues?
- In what ways can raising awareness help combat pollution?
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