Environmental activists protest resource loss in Mexico and Bolivia

Environmental activists in Mexico and Bolivia are mobilizing to protect local natural resources from infrastructure and industrial impacts.

In Querétaro, Mexico, activists filed an urgent complaint with the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) following the removal of an 80-year-old tree in the El Tepetate neighborhood. Activist Ricardo González Quiles, known as ‘Sheriff Verde’, met with the SICT delegate to demand that the construction of the Mexico-Querétaro passenger train avoids further cutting of large, historic trees in the Kansas City and Corregidora areas. The delegate has reportedly committed to collaborating to prevent further large-scale tree removal.

In Oruro, Bolivia, environmental groups held a protest titled ‘Evaluate to Advance’ at Plaza 10 de Febrero. Members of the ‘Oruro Te Queremos Limpio’ campaign and the Biciaventureros Club are demanding the protection of Cerro Santa Bárbara and the Poopó and Uru Uru lakes. They are also calling for an end to illegal mining and the rehabilitation of the Obrajes spa to preserve the region's natural and thermal heritage.