Environmental concerns rise in Zapalinamé and Quito

In Mexico, former head of the Coahuila Institute of Ecology, Sergio Avilés de la Garza, has warned that economic interests from landowners and construction companies have compromised the preservation of the Sierra de Zapalinamé natural protected area. He noted that approximately 900 hectares of coniferous forests were left unprotected because the urban boundaries of the Sierra were excluded from the conservation zone. Avilés de la Garza suggested these boundaries were likely negotiated with private owners and military entities rather than being a simple error.

In Ecuador, the Municipality of Quito is presenting the ‘Proyecto Bicentenario’ to the public, a plan aimed at extending several major avenues to improve connectivity to Parque Bicentenario. While some citizens support the project for enhancing recreational and sporting spaces, environmental collectives and specialists have raised concerns regarding the potential impact on local fauna and green spaces, calling for more detailed environmental assessments.