Environmental disputes rise in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia

Various environmental disputes and legal actions are unfolding across Latin America and the Caribbean regarding resource exploitation and unauthorized developments.

In Mexico, residents and environmental groups are protesting the approval of commercial works at Playa Los Cerritos in Baja California Sur, despite claims of unauthorized construction. Similarly, in Playa del Carmen, activists are preparing legal action against two large-scale tourist developments in Punta Venado to prevent the fragmentation of a vital biological corridor.

In Puerto Rico, community organizations have denounced the government for allegedly favoring the AES coal plant in Guayama. They warn that federal funding for the plant's modernization could extend its operations by 25 years, potentially causing long-term health and environmental impacts.

In Colombia, the Prosecutor's Office has reopened an investigation into Terpel's La Fortuna plant for alleged hydrocarbon discharges into the Ciénaga de San Silvestre, which have reportedly caused ecological damage and community health issues since 2017.