Pollution of Lake San Roque: a silenced threat

Abstract

Sustainable development was introduced in the 1987 Brundtland Report, which established the importance of meeting current needs without compromising future ones. Within this framework, the concept of sustainable tourism emerged, promoted by the UNWTO, which emphasised the need to consider the environmental, social and economic impact of this activity. However, in practice, many tourist destinations such as Lake San Roque in Córdoba faced a very different reality. Various studies revealed that this body of water suffered severe pollution due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from hotels and restaurants. Persistent enteric viruses and toxin-producing cyanobacteria were detected, posing a serious risk to public health. Scientific research confirmed that up to 62% of the lake was covered by these algae in 2021, a direct consequence of the discharge of approximately 9,000 tonnes of sewage per year. Despite existing environmental laws, such as General Environment Law No. 25,675 and the Organic Law of the Water and Sanitation Directorate of Córdoba, the authorities did not ensure compliance. In addition, greenwashing by some tourism sectors contributed to disguising the magnitude of the problem. The case of Lake San Roque highlighted the disconnect between sustainability rhetoric and actual tourism management, causing profound environmental damage that demanded urgent and effective measures.