By Abdullahi Lukman
Construction of the Airport of the Pacific has commenced in El Salvador, raising concerns among environmental groups about potential damage to vital mangrove ecosystems and coastal areas.
Despite official assurances, critics fear the project will lead to unregulated development and ecological harm.
The new international airport, located near La Unión, is intended to boost economic development in the eastern departments of El Salvador.
However, the region is rich in mangroves, which are crucial for wildlife and coastal erosion prevention.
José Maria Argueta, from the Mangrove Association, warns of long-term ecological imbalance due to habitat fragmentation.
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President Nayib Bukele asserts the airport will generate thousands of jobs and stimulate the national GDP, positioning it as a “gateway to development.”
The project’s first phase, slated for completion in 2027, is funded by international and national sources.
Conservationists argue that mangrove destruction will impact biodiversity, water reserves, and climate change mitigation.
While officials pledge to implement environmental safeguards, critics remain skeptical, citing past discrepancies between promises and actions.
The airport is part of a larger government initiative to develop eastern El Salvador, including port expansions and road projects.
This development push is linked to broader economic goals, such as attracting the tech industry and revitalizing plans for Bitcoin City.
