Pollution in San Diego Bay and the Tijuana River watershed has become one of the region’s most persistent environmental crises, with impacts affecting both public health and marine ecosystems.

Community and environmental organizations point out that the solution does not rely solely on government investments, but also on active citizen participation.

In this context, the Hispanic Access Foundation is promoting Latino Conservation Week, a national initiative designed to connect the Latino community with nature and encourage direct actions to protect air, water, and land.

September also brings binational efforts through Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM), a campaign that brings together volunteers, public agencies, and community groups to restore the watershed and curb pollution that has historically reached San Diego Bay.

Environmental activists have denounced that sewage and trash discharges at the border end up affecting communities in Imperial Beach, Coronado, and other coastal areas of the county.

Scheduled activities include a bilingual walk in the Tijuana estuary on Sunday, September 14, guided by environmental educator Francisco “el Bichólogo,” and a cleanup day at Sweetwater Marsh on Saturday, September 20. Both events are open to the public and require prior registration.

TRAM organizers highlighted that, in addition to trash collection and environmental monitoring, these actions aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the water bodies that feed San Diego Bay.

Event registration is available online, and participation is expected from families, students, and volunteers from both sides of the border. thelivingcoast.org