The Governor of the State of Mexico, Delfina Gomez Alvarez announced a strategy to avoid the illegal felling of trees, in coordination with the Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada Molinathe Governor of Morelos, Margarita González Saraviaauthorities of the Secretary of National Defense y National guardparticularly in defense of the area known as Metropolitan Water Forest.
“Agreements have been reached that, without a doubt, will benefit what we all want, which is to give better attention to this issue, which is clandestine, illegal logging, which is why I agree that it must be a job in an coordinated,” stated Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez in the presentation of the Comprehensive and Systemic Strategy 2024 against the Clandestine Logging “3 States”.
The strategy considers establishing bases of interinstitutional operation in the three states; identify the generators of violence in the area; joint work of the Prosecutor’s Offices with the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic to establish action mechanisms to address this situation; and support the communities that live in the Agua Forest.
“We are going to work for our forests, we are going to work for our water, we are going to work for our sentient beings, for everything that Mother Earth“As our indigenous groups say, they must have respect and governments have to address that need,” said Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez.
At this meeting were Horacio Duarte Olivares, Secretary General of the Government of the State of Mexico; Mariana Boy Tamborrel, Federal Environmental Attorney; Gabriela Osorio Hernández, Mayor of Tlalpan; as well as senior officials from Sedena, Semar, National Guard, authorities from Morelos and Mexico City.
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Time.news Interview:
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into pressing issues. Today, we’re privileged to have with us Dr. Rosa Martinez, an environmental policy expert with extensive knowledge in sustainable urban development. Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here and discuss such an important issue.
Editor: Recently, Governor Delfina Gomez Alvarez of the State of Mexico announced a new strategy aimed at preventing illegal tree felling in collaboration with various authorities, including the Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada Molina. Could you shed some light on why this strategy is so critical?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. The areas like the Metropolitan Water Forest are vital for Mexico City as they serve as crucial urban green spaces that help in air purification, biodiversity conservation, and even water management. Preventing illegal deforestation is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for maintaining public health and quality of life in urban areas.
Editor: That’s a great point. The strategy also involves cooperation with the Secretary of National Defense and the National Guard. How do you see military and law enforcement involvement in environmental protection efforts?
Dr. Martinez: Their involvement can be quite impactful. Law enforcement provides the necessary authority to monitor and combat illegal logging activity effectively. It allows for a multifaceted approach combining environmental oversight with security measures, which can create a more robust framework for preserving these crucial ecosystems.
Editor: Collaboration seems to be at the heart of this initiative. What role do local communities play in supporting these efforts, and how can they influence the success of such strategies?
Dr. Martinez: Local communities are integral to the success of any environmental initiative. They often possess valuable knowledge about their ecosystems and are directly affected by changes within them. By engaging them as partners rather than just stakeholders, authorities can foster a sense of stewardship and encourage community-led monitoring and protection efforts. Education and empowerment are key!
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive approach could yield great benefits. What challenges do you foresee in implementing this strategy, especially given the complexities of urban environmental issues?
Dr. Martinez: One of the major challenges will be enforcement and compliance. There can be resistance from individuals or groups who benefit from illegal logging. Furthermore, urbanization and economic pressures often conflict with conservation efforts. This is why it’s important for the government to also provide alternative livelihoods for those who might rely on activities that harm the environment. Integrating economic development with sustainability will be crucial.
Editor: Those are vital considerations. If this strategy is successful, what do you envision for the future of urban green spaces in Mexico?
Dr. Martinez: A successful implementation could lead to a renaissance of urban green spaces, where cities are more livable, with improved air quality, increased biodiversity, and better overall health for residents. It could serve as a model for other cities globally facing similar issues, proving that urbanization and conservation can coexist harmoniously.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the success of environmental strategies hinges on collaboration, community involvement, and adaptable economic solutions.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s essential that we keep the conversation going, and I’m optimistic about the impact these strategies can make.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay updated with more discussions like this, and let’s continue to advocate for sustainable practices in our communities!