Bolívar State in Venezuela is well known for being the largest state in the country, but it is also the state with the largest nature reserve. To give you an idea, only 5% or more of the territory is populated, including cities and towns. Ciudad Guayana and Ciudad Bolívar are the largest cities in the province. Despite being cities comprised of a lot of asphalt and concrete, they also contrast sharply with the jungle-like vegetation and the presence of the Caroní and Orinoco rivers.
Bolívar State has always been a very difficult territory for Spanish settlers to explore and conquer, so this difficulty has been a positive aspect, as much of its jungle vegetation is still preserved throughout the region. I have always believed that this should remain so forever. Although that doesn't mean it's free from pollution, due to the simple fact that there are large companies involved in the exploitation of a wide variety of minerals, many of the areas where these companies are located affect the population and, of course, the environment. For example, when I was a child, I grew up in a camp where bauxite was mined, and the company's wastewater contaminated certain parts of some rivers. Nearby, people lived there who, in the long run, were affected by various diseases due to this pollution.
But, I don't really want to talk more about those details because I really want to highlight the great natural beauty of this state, where it is practically painted in that harmonious and vibrant shade of green, very characteristic and which at least maintains the balance of these cities and towns. Although the city where I live doesn't have the magnitude of imposing and beautiful landscapes found in areas like the Gran Sabana or Canaima, where you can find large waterfalls and eternal tepuis that soar across the sky like eternal guardians of the jungle, Puerto Ordaz still maintains that balance between large natural parks that I show in these photographs, such as La Llovizna, Leofling, and Cachamay, as well as a wide variety of nature reserves and rivers almost everywhere around the city. The best thing is that all these parks are very close to the city, so much so that you can easily walk there, and are even perfect places for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Therefore, with these photographs, I want to show you the natural beauty of this city, of this state, which is ancient and protects a universe of species, including plants, trees, and animals that make it possible to maintain the cycle of life. From my perspective, this city should consider encouraging greater preservation of these natural spaces to counteract the growing population and the entire infrastructure of the city. In just over 70 years, it has grown from practically zero population to nearly 1 million people today. Of course, this can have a major impact on the future.
All photographs are mine.
