SWOT Diagnostic Summary

Strengths:

-There are more haciendas in the municipality of El Arenal than in the municipality of Tequila.

-Culture of recycling.

-It has unexplored archaeological sites.

-Part of the recognized cultural landscape by UNESCO.

-The diversity of vegetation gives rise to a richness of identity.

Opportunities:

-River crossings.

-Geographical position.

-Unique topography.

-Its small-town scale still remains.

-River sanitation for utility purposes.

Weaknesses:

-River pollution.

-Level of importance compared to Tequila.

-Lack of identity due to pollution from vinasse and bagasse.

-The main environmental problem is water pollution.

-Insecurity and pollution from new settlements.

-Limited productive diversity.

Threats:

-The river as a means of transporting pollution.

-Agriculture consumes 90% of the water.

-The dam (a source of pollution, mismanagement).

-Unregulated urban growth leads to landscape deterioration.

-Corruption prevents the implementation of conservation measures.

4. Community Diagnostic Workshop

PAST:

-The river used to be wide, and the houses of Salvador

-Allende did not exist.

-The water used to be crystal clear.

-The river was clean and full of turtles, fish, and abundant wildlife.

-There were many willow trees.

-We used to play by the riverbank and shade ourselves from the sun with plants that resembled umbrellas.

-The tree-lined square and the people's interaction.

-The grand staircases at the beginning and end of the town.

-The abundance of fruit trees.

PRESENT:

-We are creating a park/campsite where we have planted over 300 trees.

-We are proposing waste separation in the municipality, taking care of green areas, trees, and their maintenance.

-Waste separation is not being utilized effectively.

-Unfortunately, the stream has become a dumping ground and a drain for waste from nearby houses. There is very little awareness of keeping our environment clean.

-Improper waste is being disposed of, and it is done at times when the collection truck doesn't pass by. I don't separate my waste, and I use disposable items.

-Informal constructions have been built along the riverbanks, and solid waste, wastewater from farms, tequila industry, and houses are being deposited there.

-The river used to be a recreational space, but it has been forgotten.

-There is no designated place per neighborhood where residents can take their garbage instead of accumulating it on the streets.

-There are abandoned houses filled with garbage, and people don't respect proper tree pruning, which is not done on time. There are no garbage containers on the main streets.

-In the town, we separate our waste. One day they collect organic waste, and another day they collect inorganic waste, but we are not sure where that waste ends up or if it is all collected properly.

-The physical, superficial, or external deterioration of the environment in El Arenal (streets, houses, green areas, etc.) reflects the tangible ideology and mentality of its inhabitants. Although it may seem external, the problem is entirely internal. The problem lies in the ideologies and beliefs.

SOURCE: "Community Diagnostic Workshop El Arenal - ITESM June 2019"