CEMDA Lists Environmental Priorities for the Next Administration

The Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA) issued a call for the inclusion of environmental issues in the debates organized by INE involving presidential candidates. Through an official statement on its website, CEMDA presented a set of 10 proposals that it deems essential for inclusion in electoral platforms. These proposals are to be addressed by presidential candidates during the debates leading up to the June 2024 elections. CEMDA emphasized that the protection and defense of the environment must become a top priority for the next federal administration, spanning the 2024-2030 period.

As its primary proposal, the NGO calls for the enactment of a General Law of National Waters. Despite Mexico being a privileged country in terms of its proximity and availability of water bodies, the overexploitation and pollution of water bodies, along with the impacts of climate change, jeopardize the national water heritage. The law should uphold the water cycle through governance frameworks, recognizing water as a priority for individuals and communities, surpassing industrial, agricultural, and commercial consumption. Therefore, its availability and quality must be protected, underscored by CEMDA.

CEMDA's decalogue includes three proposals emphasizing biodiversity conservation and the significance of ecosystems. The NGO urges adequate budget allocation to Protected Natural Areas (ANP) for biodiversity, water, and essential ecosystem conservation. The protection of seas and coasts is also highlighted, with a call for coordinated actions in managing, restoring, and sustainably utilizing marine ecosystems. The statement recalls the commitment made at COP15 to conserve at least 30% of land and oceans by 2030.

Regarding renewable energy, the fourth proposal calls for the elimination of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, fuel, and natural gas. There is a need to move toward a fair and inclusive energy transition with renewable sources, ensuring transparency and respect for human rights, stressed CEMDA. Moreover, the center emphasized the need to redirect public spending currently allocated to fossil fuels toward the energy transition, as well as programs for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Four proposals were listed regarding the regulation of environmental law and citizens' right to a healthy environment. CEMDA considers it crucial to grant autonomy to environmental bodies at all levels to ensure people and communities have access to environmental justice in proceedings before administrative authorities. Moreover, a policy of prevention, protection, and zero tolerance for attacks against environmental defenders should be established, stated the NGO. Additionally, it is essential to ensure access to environmental public information, create spaces for informed participation in environmental matters, and eliminate barriers to the exercise of this right. 

Another proposal highlights the importance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (PEIA) as a preventive tool for the development of any productive activity. “In many cases, the PEIA is seen only as a procedure subordinate to economic and political interests behind projects. It is crucial for it to be a genuine evaluation mechanism, and to establish appropriate measures for the mitigation or repair of environmental and social damages,” underscored CEMDA. 

Finally, the center's last proposal focuses on transitioning to a circular economy. CEMDA pointed out that moving towards a circular economy can help reduce emissions by 40% by 2050 when applied to the production systems of cement, steel, plastic, and aluminum, and up to 49% when applied to the food system. In addition, the transition has the potential to create over 10 million new jobs, directly benefiting the population.

On top of the 10 issues raised, CEMDA emphasized that there are other equally important matters that the next federal administration must pay special attention to. These include proper management of solid and hazardous waste, prevention of forest fires, promotion of environmental awareness among the population, environmental impacts of mining activities, implementation of a clean and efficient public transportation system, among others. "We hope, at CEMDA, that issues related to the environment and natural resources will be a priority on the agenda of the next federal administration, for the benefit of the Mexican people," closed CEMDA.