Request to stop burning "monigotes" in Cuenca to protect the environment

A group of volunteers, including environmental engineer Marcelo Ullauri, who previously helped fight forest fires in the Cajas National Park, is launching an initiative to prevent the burning of "monigotes" (effigies) during the year-end celebrations in Cuenca. The goal is to reduce environmental pollution caused by the smoke from these burns.

Ullauri emphasized that the smoke from burning "monigotes" has a severe environmental impact. It not only worsens air quality and contributes to climate change, but also damages ecosystems. He explained that the smoke from these fires releases harmful substances like carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which cause acid rain and form smog. Additionally, the burning of materials such as cardboard, wood, plastics, and synthetic fabrics releases toxic gases like carbon monoxide (CO), which harms the ozone layer and intensifies the sun's UV radiation.

This week, the group plans to formally request the Amistad Club, which organizes the traditional "Años Viejos" competition, to ask participants not to burn these effigies. They will also seek support from the Federation of Neighborhoods of Cuenca and the Consortium of Rural Parochial Boards of Cuenca to join the initiative.

César Banegas, president of the Amistad Club, said that if they receive a formal request, they will consider it within their board to make a decision. He noted that environmental protection is a priority, and any proposal supporting this would be taken seriously.

The registrations for the 2024 "Años Viejos" and 2025 "Comparsas" competitions are already open, with the events scheduled for December 31, 2024, and January 5, 2025, respectively. The "Años Viejos" competition celebrates the creation of monigotes through creative and current-themed designs, a tradition that started in local families and neighborhoods and has expanded to include institutions and businesses in the city.