Mexico’s government is planning to build a hydropower dam on the San Pedro Mezquital, the only free-flowing river in the state of Sierra Madre Occidental, irreversibly damaging the lives of indigenous communities, and one of the most extensivemangrove systems in North America.

Within a few weeks, Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) will decide whether to issue an environmental permit for the Las Cruces dam, enabling construction to move forward.  The proposed dam will only supply 0.9% of the energy demand in West Central Mexico – a mere 0.28% of national demand – and won’t operate 66% of its useful life.

YOU can help stop this permit!

Stretching for 540 kilometers, San Pedro Mezquital flows to the north coast of Nayarit state, where it empties into the Marismas Nacionales, a key ecosystem for migrating birds, fish breeding, and climate change mitigation. It is the seventh most voluminous river in the country, the main source of freshwater for Durango state, and a foundation for the livelihoods of many indigenous communities.  The project would destroy 14 sacred and ceremonial sites of indigenous peoples, mostly those of the Náyeri or Cora peoples, who have not been consulted or received information about the project.

Petition Environment Secretary Juan José Guerra Abud to deny the environmental permit for Las Cruces and comply with Mexico’s legal obligations to protect the environment and human rights!

For more information:

http://www.aida-americas.org/en/project/las-cruces-dam-project-puts-san-pedro-mezquital-river-risk​

http://www.defiendemuxatena.org

#defiendemuxatena

https://www.facebook.com/DefiendeMuxatena