A diverse group of scientists, public officials, businesspeople, and community organizations in Mexico have called for sustainability to be a strategic focus for the country. They have presented a document titled "Water (Agua), Biodiversity, and Climate for Mexico" (ABC/MX) to guide the National Development Plan. The document emphasizes the importance of integrating these three key agendas to ensure prosperity for current and future generations and to mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment. The call to action is for Mexico to adopt a clear but ambitious agenda to safeguard water, biodiversity, and climate, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Water: Exercising the Human Right to Water
Access to water is a fundamental right and crucial for human activities. As part of the "Freshwater Challenge," Mexico aims to restore 50,000 km of rivers and establish new water reserves for proper ecosystem functioning. Effective water management requires real participatory processes, efficient irrigation, reduced leakage, and sanctions for those who pollute or waste water.
Biodiversity: We Must Make Peace with Other Species
Mexico has a rich history of coexistence and sustainable use of biodiversity. Learning from ancestors and the scientific community, economic and social development must align with natural ecosystem conservation. Both ancestral practices and scientific knowledge should guide government decisions. To conserve 30% of its territory by 2030, Mexico must strengthen protected areas, restore degraded habitats, and protect endangered species. Ecosystem services should be recognized for their economic and social value, promoting both ecological health and economic dynamics. Policies should support families in adopting sustainable practices, and the "One Health" approach should be applied.
Climate: The Planet is On Fire
Climate change is not merely an "environmental problem." SEMARNAT must lead the government's efforts to design and implement a National Policy for Adaptation to Climate Change, reducing negative impacts across various sectors. Nature-based solutions, like protected natural areas, are crucial as they safeguard biodiversity, prevent disasters, improve environmental services, and mitigate greenhouse gases.
The ABC for Mexico and the Federal Government
Mexico's environmental policy must evolve to reflect its social, economic, and environmental realities. The National Development Plan, crafted with citizen participation, sets priorities towards 2030 and beyond. A National Sustainable Development Plan (PNDS) for 2025-2030 should be pursued. Respecting the division of powers, it's important to facilitate citizen participation in environmental policy-making.