In a historic ruling that sets a precedent in the defense of the rights of nature, the fourth district judge of the Auxiliary Center of the fifth Region granted protection in favor of representatives of the Mayan towns.
The ruling recognizes the ecological value y bee culture Moreover, it condemns the omissions of federal and state authorities that have allowed their mass death due to the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals and the deforestation.
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After 15 years of struggle, a historic resolution was achieved that recognizes bees as subjects of law, a step that underlines their not only economic, but also ecosystem and cultural importance. Lawyer Jorge Fernández Mendiburu highlighted that these pollinators are essential for environmental balance and that their protection also implies safeguarding the ancestral beekeeping practices of the Mayan communities.
This recognition will allow Mayan communities to demand effective measures to protect bees and their environment. The resolution links agencies such as Sader, Semarnat, Cofepris and Profepa, among others, that they must implement actions to combat the environmental crisis, including the prohibition of dangerous agrochemicals, compliance with restrictions on glyphosate and the elimination of aerial fumigation.
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The restoration of ecosystems will also be promoted through biological corridors and sanctions will be sanctioned. illegal deforestation activities. The ruling also recognizes the Mayan communities as guardians of bees, highlighting their ancestral link with these pollinators, basic for the biodiversity and food security in the region.
The amparo trial, presented on May 19, 2023 by the He started Maya for the Cabbage Bees, denounced violations of the collective rights of the Mayan peoples and the rights of bees as essential beings for biodiversity.
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This victoria legal not only makes visible the impact of the environmental crisis on the Peninsula of Yucatan, but also demands the protection of pollinators against megaprojects and unsustainable agricultural models.
Leydy Araceli Pech Martín, Mayan beekeeper and environmental activist, highlighted that this fight, started in 2012, has been a constant battle against government indifference.
“Bees die every day from pesticides and destruction of ecosystems. This ruling is not only a victory for beekeepers, but for life itself. Without bees, the environmental balance is at risk,” he warned.
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Devastating losses: defender
Marco Ku, defender of bees in tizimin, recounted how Mayan communities have faced devastating losses.
“Since 2018 we have documented the death of thousands of hives. This not only affects our economic activity, but endangers food production and biodiversity.. This ruling gives us hope, but also reinforces our fight to protect them“, he stated.
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Jaime González Tolentino, researcher of The Southern Border College (Ecosur), detailed that between 2020 and 2023, more than six thousand dead hives were recorded in peninsular towns.
The defender indicated that these losses represent an economic impact of 13 million pesos and underline the urgency of stopping deforestation, as well as the use of pesticides such as fipronil and glyphosate, mainly responsible for the crisis.
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For all activists, the ruling opens a new era in the defense of the rights of nature, by recognizing bees as essential elements in the conservation of ecosystems.. Though, they know that the road is long.
“We cannot allow bees to be forgotten in environmental agendas,” he finally urged. Pech Martin.
Related
How can the ruling support the preservation of Mayan cultural heritage through beekeeping practices?
Time.news Interview: The Historic Ruling for Bees and Mayan Communities
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today,we have a special guest,Lawyer jorge Fernández Mendiburu,an expert in environmental law and advocate for the rights of nature. Jorge, thank you for joining us.
Jorge Fernández Mendiburu: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. This historic ruling by the fourth district judge recognizes bees as subjects of law. Can you explain the significance of this ruling for both the environment and the Mayan communities?
Jorge Fernández Mendiburu: Absolutely. This ruling is groundbreaking in that it elevates the status of bees, acknowledging their ecological and cultural importance. For the Mayan towns, who have a deep-rooted tradition of beekeeping, this recognition allows them to advocate for effective measures to protect not just the bees, but their cultural heritage as well. It underlines that bees are essential for environmental balance and pollination, which is vital for food production and ecosystem health.
Editor: You mentioned the implications for beekeeping practices. How does the ruling support the ancestral methods of the Mayan communities?
Jorge Fernández Mendiburu: The ruling provides a legal framework that acknowledges the Mayans’ traditional practices and their relationship with bees. By recognizing bees as subjects of law, it empowers the Mayan communities to advocate for their rights, which means thay can push for the protection of their beekeeping practices against harmful practices like excessive agrochemical use and deforestation.
Editor: Speaking of agrochemicals and deforestation, the ruling condemns the negligence of both federal and state authorities regarding these issues. What specific actions must agencies like Sader, Semarnat, and others take as a result of this decision?
jorge Fernández Mendiburu: The ruling compels these agencies to implement stringent actions to address the environmental crisis. This includes the prohibition of dangerous agrochemicals, strict compliance with existing restrictions on glyphosate, and a ban on aerial fumigation. Additionally, it promotes the restoration of ecosystems through the creation of biological corridors and emphasizes the need for enforcement against illegal deforestation.
Editor: It sounds like this ruling has potential far-reaching effects. What can we expect moving forward in terms of advocacy and policy changes?
Jorge Fernández Mendiburu: There’s a renewed sense of urgency and possibility for real change.The Mayan communities can now mobilize and demand action based on this legal recognition. as we draw attention to the importance of bees and their protection, we’ll likely see a shift in policy that prioritizes sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem restoration. It could become a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Editor: It’s truly an inspiring moment for environmental and cultural rights. In your opinion, what role does public awareness play in sustaining the momentum gained from this ruling?
Jorge Fernández Mendiburu: Public awareness is crucial. When people understand the ecological value of bees and the cultural significance of beekeeping, they become advocates for change.The more we discuss these issues, the more pressure is placed on authorities to take meaningful action. It’s about building a collective consciousness around environmental protection and the rights of nature.
Editor: Thank you, Jorge, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that this ruling represents a significant step forward not only for the rights of nature but also for the preservation of cultural heritage.
jorge Fernández Mendiburu: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.
Editor: and to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story and how we can all play a part in protecting our environment and supporting our communities. Thank you for joining us!