Sand and gravel extraction threatens the Río Grande in OaxacaCEFR A2
1 Nov 2025
Adapted from Latin America Bureau, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Marcus Dall Col, Unsplash
Large machines remove sand and gravel from the Río Grande. In some parts the river is about 300 metres across and a fallen amate tree of about 25 metres marks the site. Local people say backhoes dig day and night and change the river shape and depth.
Residents link the bigger extraction after 2015 to the Concha Ojeda family and say some work began before 2010. The community reported uncontrolled extraction in 2019. Organisers held a Forum on 5 April 2025 and plan to form a defence front and visit villages to raise awareness.
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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