The organization is a sharp weapon to confront power. Most of the ecological disasters we experience, although they are partly the result of an overwhelming consumer culture, also happen due to the great power held by corporations (which feed that culture). In Mexico, many environmental disasters are a consequence of the negligence of authorities, companies and also collective blindness.
The above can only be reversed with education, in the case of culture, and with organization on the topic of a society capable of facing the factual interests that threaten the environment; but, at least in this country, civil society is tiny. As an example, in this nation there are about 35 thousand civil society organizations while in other countries like Colombia, with less than half the population, there are up to 135 thousand.
Of those 35 thousand civil organizations in Mexico, only one thousand are environmentalist, according to figures from the National Institute of Ecology of SEMARNAT. Although it may seem like a considerable entourage, in reality these cells have very few members, which makes them less strong. Even so, these organizations survive in a system that does not favor them and they have done so bravely, constantly pointing out and denouncing ecocides in Mexico and undertaking conservation actions.
We present a list of organizations that, consistent with their principles, are there to shed light on ecological issues and act to protect the environment:
Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA): formed by a group of lawyers that conducts research on the environment, documents attacks against environmentalists and makes statements, mostly aimed at the government, for the improvement and correct application of environmental regulations. It also applies concrete actions in threatened areas and monitors sites with ecological alert.
Pronatura Mexico: has been promoting changes in legislation to protect the environment for 30 years. He has obtained, among other achievements, the reforestation of more than 30 million natives in tropical forests, the decree of total and permanent ban for species and subspecies of sea turtle, etc. It also has conservation activities all year round, in which it receives volunteers. It also makes statements to the government about threats to the environment.
Natural Spaces and Sustainable Development: in addition to reporting, this organization is focused on restoring spaces that have already been damaged by human action. It has recovered thousands of hectares of forests, jungles and wetlands in various parts of the country. Regarding sustainable development, it has several projects in communities, which, if you are interested, you can undoubtedly join.
Mexican Fund for Nature Conservation: It has programs and projects for the conservation of protected areas, forests, watersheds, seas and coasts. It also finances some sustainable programs and makes calls to finance third-party projects related to the environment.
Beta: this organization, although independent, seeks its funds by linking itself to social responsibility actions by companies. The money collected is invested in programs, designed by the organization, to recover ecosystems of (paradoxically) Protected Natural Areas. It also applies sustainability programs.
Naturalia: It has very specific conservation programs such as the rescue of the Mexican wolf, the conservation of the northern jaguar in , the reforestation and sustainable development of the Protected Natural Areas around the Valley of Mexico and surrounding municipalities, etc. It is a very active organization in terms of pronouncements on public political laws or government omissions.
Mexican Organization for Environmental Conservation: carries out activities to improve public policies, the generation and dissemination of information, the empowerment and participation of society, and the promotion of education as a basic and fundamental tool for balanced development and lasting in Mexico. It is based on two essential axes: education and the promotion of public policies.
WWF-Mexico: also known as the World Wildlife Fund, it is considered the leading global conservation organization. Born in Switzerland in 1961, this association has been working in Mexico since 1990 and has carried out actions for preservation in areas such as Chihuahua, the Gulf of California and the monarch butterfly sanctuary. She has also been a strong denouncer of measures that, through public policies, damage the environment.
Conservation International: this international organization with actions in Mexico does direct work with communities through advice and organization, for the conservation of nature. Today it has projects focused on Chiapas, particularly in the Sierra Madre and the Usumacinta River. It has a job bank in the communities, especially consulting.
Greenpeace Mexico: this international association is perhaps the most popular in the world. In addition to creative activism, he is a strong critic of anti-ecological government policies. In addition to this, it monitors omissions to the environment in this country, such as daily oil spills.