A significant drop in the water levels of the Amazon River and its tributaries has seriously affected everyday life for Colombians, causing food shortages and even illness.
The Colombian Amazon usually experiences short dry seasons from December to March and July to August.
This year, however, an unprecedented, ongoing drought has dried up the Amazon River and its tributaries, which run through a large swathe of the basin and nurture the livelihood of many indigenous communities in Colombia and other countries along the riverbanks.
At a tributary that flows across the Amazonas Department of southern Colombia, a large portion of the riverbed was exposed, and many boats were stranded.
"The Amazon River has lost 80 percent of its water flow. As can be seen from the surface of the river, the water level of the Amazon River has dropped by more than 12 meters," said Oscar Sanchez, governor of the Amazonas Department.
“This is the first time in history that we have had a drought like this. People have no fish to eat because the rivers have dried up. People are getting sick because they drink polluted water," said Edilberto Suarez Pinto, mayor of Puerto Narino, a port town.
At the township, locals make a living by growing bananas, cassava, corn, and lemons. They travel by boat and mainly eat fish.
However, due to drought, local people's travel and agricultural irrigation have been seriously affected, and the reduction in rainfall has also forced many people to fetch water remotely.
Many residents have also contracted hazardous infections by drinking water from the Amazon River, according to local medics.
"The water in the Amazon River has too much sediment and is undrinkable. Sediment causes an increase in fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and drinking it can cause gastroenteritis," said Lorena Jaramillo, a doctor at Puerto Narino Local Hospital.
Sharp drop of Amazon River level affects livelihood of Colombians
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
