Caballitos de tortora have a life of a few months, depending on usage and conditions. After a while, the reeds become soaked with water, increasing the weight from approximately 35kg to 80kg. It also degrades the structural integrity of the boat. When it's time to decommission a caballito, the ropes and other materials used to hold it together are recycled for newer boats while the reeds are left for garbage collectors.
Huanchaco was designated as a World Surfing Reserve in 2013, recognizing the historical significance of the area to surfing, excellent surfing conditions, and fragile environment. A local stewardship council works with international nonprofits to maintain this status. Surfing is vital to the tourist economy of Huanchaco.
The informal settlement of Cerrito de la Virgen only recently received electricity but still does not have running water. Otra Cosa Network worked with the government and raised funds to install plumbing to many of the homes in the area in a project started by one of their 15 year-old Global GLOW members. The community was never connected to the main water line, however, after the city announced archeological remains in the area. The citizens must get their water from this water tank, which is filled by the city every two weeks, but is dry the day after it's filled.
