| DEFENSORES DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE DE LOS TUXTLAS, A. C. ecological activism COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS 2009 |
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| Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., has received an anonymous complaint from residents of the Colony Linda Vista in Catemaco, Veracruz, reporting that in the Calle Jalisco conner of Quintana Roo #15, in the Colony Linda Vista, Juan Ceba is selling large quantities of firewood, which may have been cut illegally. We have requested that PROFEPA visit the address and verify the legality or lack of. |
| Illegal Sale of Firewood in Catemaco February 4, 2009 |
| Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., has received an anonymous complaint from residents of the Colony Linda Vista in Catemaco, Veracruz, reporting the family residing at Calle Francisco Javier Mina # 87, in the Colony Linda Vista, frequently transport large quantities of firewood in a truck with Mexico D. F. License number KV66085. We have officially requested that PROFEPA visit the site for an inspection to determine if the accused parties have authorization for this activity. |
| Possible Illegal Sale of Firewood in Catemaco, product of Communities within La Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas February 4, 2009 |
| PROFEPA Xalapa Violates the Law (LGEEPA) February 4, 2008 |
| PROFEPA, Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (Federal Environmental Protection) is required to sign for complaints filed and provide a case number. In the past they have complied with this regulation and signed for the complaints we filed. In November, 2008, upon the presentation of various complaints, Biologist María Dolores Castillo Gallego, head of the Catemaco PROFEPA office, informed us that she could not sign for said complaints, and that they would be signed for in Xalapa. On February 4, 2009, we confirmed this by phone with Biologist Oscar Iván, inspector for PROFEPA in Catemaco. We have filed a complaint with the Xalapa PROFEPA office regarding the matter and will follow up for a response. |
| Removal of Wood in the Community of Coxcoapan February 4, 2008 |
| Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., received an anonymous complaint from residents of the community of Coxcoapan, Municipality of Catemaco, Veracruz, reporting two stake bed trucks removing wood from the area during night, between 7:00 and 10:00 p. m. As Coxcoapan is located within the natural protected area of the Reserva de la Biosfera—Los Tuxtlas, we have reported this to PROFEPA and are awaiting a response. |
| While we are indignant over the destruction, the deforestation, and illegal wildlife and plant traffic in the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas, the open sale of protected wildlife and plants in the streets of Xalapa, the capitol of the state of Veracruz, where the principal offices of the Veracruz Delegation of PROFEPA are located - leaves us speechless. Members of DEMATAC visited a mobile market located on Sundays in Calle Toluca, Colony Progreso and Fridays in Calle Leycegui, Colony Ferrocarrilera where they practice the sale of various species of wildlife and plants listed in the "Norma 059 (environmental law listing protected species). Time passes, the destruction continues, the world faces serious ecological problems - and the indifference increases. |
| Sale of Protected Plants and Wildlife in Open Markets in Xalapa, Veracruz February 11, 2009 |
| Julián Méndez García and his assistant, Elvira Quino Moreno, of the gravel pit operated by “Perforaciones y Voladuras, S. A. de C. V. ”, and located on the premises known as “Los Patos”, in the municipality of Catemaco, Veracruz, continue unabated, their systematic destruction of Cerro Nixtamalapan. SEMARNAT, PROFEPA, La Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, and the Catemaco Municipal President, Jorge González Azamar, are unwilling or unable to do anything about it. Perhaps they simply do not care, or. . . Are there other “considerations” that impede their protection of the environment of Los Tuxtlas - of Catemaco? |
| In May of 2008, PROFEPA inspected the gravel pit, after a complaint filed by Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C. (DEMATAC). Their conclusions were that excavations remained within the boundaries established in the permit granted by the Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT). Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C. does not agree with this conclusion. The authorization by SEMARNAT, dated March 11, 2003, (Official Document No. SGPARN.02.259/03) authorizes the mining of “materials pétreos, principalmente roca volcanica” (natural material, principally volcanic rock) from a “usable area of approximately five (5) hectares within the premises containing a total area of twenty (20) hectares”. Our calculations, based on Google Earth Maps (below and see map notes) and our physical and visual measurements, indicate that, as of February 9, 2009, the area excavated exceeds 6 hectares. And excavation continues. In addition, other requirements of the permit have not been complied with: 1) Gradual reforestation of the mining area of ten (10) hectares. (Some effort has been made to reforest outside the mining area, but it has been minimal.) 2) Form a team of qualified personnel, including an environmental specialist. (Conditions; Oficio No. SGPARN.02.259/03 Operation phase II.I of permit. See copy in Spanish) We would like to know who is the "environmental specialist", which we do not believe exists, and his qualifications. 3) Clauses d), f), k), l) y m) of the "condicionantes de la Etapa de Operación" (conditions of the operation phase) have not been complied with. 4) Operation Phase II.II, inciso c): strictly prohibits the company from constructing dwellings. One construction is in progress. Another duplex construction houses families of company employees, but has no basic facilities: electric, water, and no sanitary facilities for families including small children. |
| We recommend that when PROFEPA makes its next inspection, they be accompanied by an independent advisor or impartial witness who can assist in validating their conclusions. DEMATAC will be happy to volunteer – in the promotion of transparency and accountability. Further, we have been told by the family of Alberto Roman Carrillo Mateau, the alleged property owner, that title to this land remains in dispute between him and Julián Méndez García, and is presently in litigation. In support of these allegations, the boundaries of the official plan and the deed, submitted to SEMARNAT by Julián Méndez García do not coincide with the land actually being excavated. (DEMATAC has a copy of this deed on file, plus the deed in the name of Alberto Roman Carrillo Mateau). We are unable to locate any deed on file with Registro Publico de la Propiedad (Public Registrars Office) corresponding to the land in use in the name of Julián Méndez García or the company. On many previous instances when requested to produce said deed, Méndez has made excuses for not doing so. It is beyond our comprehension how the investigating agencies: SEMARNAT and the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, could approve this type of industry, and further, determine that it would cause “no detrimental environmental impact”, when located within the boundaries of a protected natural area, La Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas; in a community that depends economically on tourism - tourism based on the natural attributes of the area. Look at the photos and tell me that there is no “detrimental environmental impact”. In addition, two lagoons (Laguna Nixtamalapan and Laguna Amolapan – see map above) and Lake Catemaco (the lagoons and the lake are subterranean interconnected) are adversely affected by this mining; and Cerro Nixtamalapan (Nixtamalapan Hill) with an elevation of 1,900 feet (580 meters), a natural storm barrier for Catemaco, is being devastated – meter by meter. One must wonder exactly what the “motivation” of the investigators was based on. It is also beyond our comprehension why nothing is being done to stop this destruction. We will be filing an official complaint with PROFEPA this week - again. |
| (Note: Google Earth Pro map images date to prior to the May 2008 inspection by PROFEPA and clearly show a “used” area well in excess of 5 hectares. |
| MAN AGAINST NATURE February 11, 2009 |
| Julián Méndez García |
The increased area represents advances in excavation since
the Google Earth Pro image, and are calculations by DEMATAC
based on photos, and physical and visual measurements.
the Google Earth Pro image, and are calculations by DEMATAC
based on photos, and physical and visual measurements.
| Your tax deductible donation will help protect the endangered northernmost tropical rain forest in the Americas, and contribute to environmental awareness worldwide. |
| Illegal Sale of Turtle Shells March 4, 2009 |
| We discovered a group of young people selling purses made from turtle shells in the park in Catemaco and reported this illegal activity to the local PROFEPA office. Ing. Tomás Martínez Marín, Inspector of PROFEPA responded to our call, along with three soldiers. One of the sellers was arrested and the merchandise was confiscated. We wish that all complaints to PROFEPA could be responded to as rapidly and efficiently as this one. DEMATAC congratulates Ing. Martínez for the manner in which this was handled. |
| Deforestation on the Slopes of Volcano San Martín Tuxtlas March 21, 2009 |
| For the government institutions in charge of environmental protection who continue to profess that illegal lumbering in the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas does not exist, DEMATAC repeats, as we have stated before, the bad news that, yes, illegal lumbering continues within the reserve. We do agree that this activity as been reduced in urban areas. As always, we request vigilance, vigilance, and more vigilance on the part of PROFEPA and the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas in the priority areas of conservation of the reserve - the nucleus zone. We have filed a complaint with PROFEPA, in Mexico City and in Jalapa. We look forward to a quick response and, obviously, to solutions. The photos were taken on the slopes of the Volcano San Martín Tuxtla, within the nucleus area (one of three) of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas, by Jessica Swanson. |
| Sale of Orchids in the Streets San Andrés Tuxtlas March 11, 2009 |
| DEMATAC members came across the sale of orchids on the streets of San Andres Tuxtla, Veracruz, in front of the HSBC Bank. We took photos and advised Biol. Oscar Iván Molinares López, Inspector for PROFEPA in Catemaco by phone. |
Members of Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., climbed
to the summit of Volcán San Martín Tuxtla on April 4 & 05. During part of
the visit we were accompanied by participants of the Comité de Vigilancia
Ambiental Participativa - PROFEPA (ecological vigilance committee) from
the community of Ruíz Cortínez, in the municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla.
Along with committee members, we confirmed that clandestine lumbering in
the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas continues, and that vigilance by
PROFEPA has been insufficient; as we informed PROFEPA in our complaint of
March 27th., after our first visit to the area.
On the road to Ruíz Cortínez, on the volcano's slopes, we encountered a truck
without license plates carrying recently cut lumber. Members of the committee
claim that the lumber was cut on the volcano slopes, between Barrio Lerdo
and Ruiz Cortínez, within the nucleus of the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los
Tuxlas.
The vehicle's owner was identified as Lauro Martínez Torres, who lives in
Ruiz Cortines.
DEMATAC has filed an official complaint against Senor Martínez Torres with
PROFEPA and is awaiting a prompt response.
to the summit of Volcán San Martín Tuxtla on April 4 & 05. During part of
the visit we were accompanied by participants of the Comité de Vigilancia
Ambiental Participativa - PROFEPA (ecological vigilance committee) from
the community of Ruíz Cortínez, in the municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla.
Along with committee members, we confirmed that clandestine lumbering in
the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas continues, and that vigilance by
PROFEPA has been insufficient; as we informed PROFEPA in our complaint of
March 27th., after our first visit to the area.
On the road to Ruíz Cortínez, on the volcano's slopes, we encountered a truck
without license plates carrying recently cut lumber. Members of the committee
claim that the lumber was cut on the volcano slopes, between Barrio Lerdo
and Ruiz Cortínez, within the nucleus of the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los
Tuxlas.
The vehicle's owner was identified as Lauro Martínez Torres, who lives in
Ruiz Cortines.
DEMATAC has filed an official complaint against Senor Martínez Torres with
PROFEPA and is awaiting a prompt response.
| Illegal Lumbering Continues in the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas April 4 & 5, 2009 |
| Removal of Protected Medicinal Plants from Volcán San Martín Tuxtla April 5, 2009 |
| Members of Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., climbed to the summit of Volcán San Martín Tuxtla on April 4 & 05. During part of the visit we were accompanied by participants of the Comité de Vigilancia Ambiental Participativa - PROFEPA (ecological vigilance committee) from the community of Ruíz Cortínez, in the municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla. The committee informed us of the following: On March 26, 2009 the committee phoned the offices of PROFEPA in Catemaco at 5:30 p.m. to file a complaint of the illegal sale of medicinal plants removed from the volcano Volcán San Martín Tuxtla. No one answered the phone. They then communicated with the municipal police of San Andrés Tuxtla who said that they would respond, but never showed up. How can the members of the committee be expected to maintain interest in protecting the area, if they have no backup by the responsible authorities? According to committee members, Feliciano Seba Chido, of Ruíz Cortínez was the individual selling the plants. A white Ford pickup with license plates SH 94297, Mexico-Puebla was the vehicle being used; and Juan Pérez Mixtega of Ruíz Cortínez and Juan Parra Diebano of Miguel Hidalgo are the collectors of the plants. |
| Among the medicinal plants being sold are “zarzaparrilla”, “cocolmecatl” and “arrayán”. Regarding the "arrayán", on March 27, 2009, in an official complaint, we informed PROFEPA of the removal and use of this plant for the Semana Santa (Easter Week) festivities, and that the plant is being removed in excessive quantities. We witnessed on the road from San Andrés Tuxtla to Ruíz Cortínez approximately 20 individuals with 25 kilogram bags of the plant. Unfortunately, we did not see one inspector from PROFEPA. |
| Cocolmecatl (Smilax mollis) |
| Zarzaparrilla (Smilax aspera) |
| Arrayán |
| Lake Catemaco Contaminated July 4, 2009 |
| Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Unit Licenciatura in Biology Professors M.M.S. Ruth Soto Castor and M. en C. Alfonso Esquivel Herrera "Diagnostic and Proposal of Management Plan for Lake Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico" |
| Lake Catemaco is an epicontinental (lying upon a continent or a continental shelf) body of water located in the southeast of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, that, from ecological, social, economic, and cultural points of view, is fundamental for the regional growth and prosperity of Los Tuxtlas. Los Tuxtlas represents the last and most septentrional (northerly) bastion of tropical rain forest in the State of Veracruz and in North America. The university Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana “UAM” has provided DEMATAC with the results of a diagnostic study of Lake Catemaco, and their proposal for a management plan designed to resolve or diminish the existing problems. The study was conducted using water samples taken most recently in February and May of 2007; plus samples of sediment and “Tegogolos” (fresh water snails that are considered a delicacy and are consumed in area restaurants and homes). Interviews were conducted with tourists, inhabitants of Catemaco, fishermen, restaurant personnel, those involved in the tourist industry, and local government. To capsulize the results: Samples taken from 2002 to 2007 indicate that the contamination of the lake exceeds permissible levels. The principal sources of contamination are: erosion caused by rain, agrochemicals, organic waste, detergents, waste water, and sewage. Included in the list of bacteria discovered are: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Salmonella, and Acinetobacter; all of which can be associated with cattle, pigs, and waterfowl near the lake. However, also present is Shigella, exclusively of human origin and the cause of a type of dysentery. These same bacteria were discovered in both the sediment and the Tegogolos, but in larger concentrations. The studies have revealed fecal contamination (of, relating to, or composed of feces) in excess of permissible levels. In studies prior to 2002, bacteria of fecal origin was detected in almost all areas of the lake, but primarily associated with the small communities on the lake shore. The conclusion of these studies was that there is, in general terms, substantial downgrading of the water quality of Lake Catemaco, but also indications that these changes are reversible to a certain degree. Eliminating the sources of contamination, the process of degradation may be reduced and even return to a prior, improved condition. Additional studies by the university were conducted between February and June of this year (2009) and are being evaluated at present. The evaluation of these studies is expected to be completed in August, 2009, and at completion, will be sent to DEMATAC for publication. It is imperative that Catemaco Municipal Government and its president Jorge González Azamar, the State of Veracruz and Governor Fidel Herrera Beltran, address this problem immediately; and that they initiate a management plan for the recovery of Lake Catemaco. The plan proposed by UAM appears to us as an excellent commencement. Two of the major problems that must be faced are the obsolete sewage system in Catemaco and the sewage treatment plant. These problems have repeatedly been brought to the attention of both local and state government – without result. Catemaco possesses an enormous natural, economic and cultural significance. To ignore these and prior studies and proposals . . . to ignore the existent and increasing contamination, is to ignore the future of Catemaco, and the future of its inhabitants. Nothing is accomplished by ignoring the problem; or by pretending that it does not exist - as has been the custom of local government. We must face this threat and energetically work together toward viable solutions See the complete study in Spanish |
| Simple Map of Sample Locations |
| DEMATAC has on hand additional maps showing fecal and potential pathogenic bacteria concentrations as of February,2009. These will be published along with the evaluation of the February through June, 2009 studies. |
| DEMATAC sent an official letter to Lic. Francisco Luis Briseño Cortes, Delegate of PROFEPA, Veracruz. This letter is meant to inform and as further proof of the illegal hunting being practised in the nuclear zone of Volcán San Martín Tuxtla in the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. The intention is not for Catemaco PROFEPA inspectors to spend weeks searching for something that we will continue to inform them of. DEMATAC held it's annual hike this year on the slopes of Volcán San Martín Tuxtla, and during the recon before the hike noticed various structures made of poles. We asked our guides what these structures were and they informed us that they were hunting blinds where hunters will await, with rifles and lamps, the approach of animals such as tepezcuintle (Pacas) and peccary. We found four of these blinds within a 500 meter area. We destroyed all four. We believe it is important to find a way to increase vigilance in this area and join forces with concerned residents to combat illegal hunting in the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. |
| Hunting Blinds on the Slopes of Volcán San Martín Tuxtla August 31, 2009 |
| Residents of the community of Ruíz Cortines in the municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla, have informed us of the presence of two young jaguars in the nucleus zone of Volcán San Martín Tuxtla, in the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. Unfortunately, another group of residents of this community have been accused of, once they heard of the existence of the young cats, going out armed with rifles to hunt them. We are told that they had no success, but it is obvious that they will continue their efforts until they do. As a result, DEMATAC will be visiting the area this Sunday, August 30th. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the restaurant " Los Colibríes" in the community of Ruíz Cortines. The purpose is to make our presence known in the area and to remind the locals that nongovernmental, as well as governmental organizations, are interested in protecting the local wildlife, and will make every effort to do so. Considering the importance of this issue, we hope to be able to count on the presence and assistance of PROFEPA and the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas; with the intention of joining forces against illegal hunting within the confines of the Reserve. With this notice, and considering the relevance of the information, DEMATAC intends to make reconnaissance visits to the area more frequently. We intend to provide some economic incentive to the residents, both for information and for guide services. For this reason we request a donation from participating groups or associations, nongovernmental and governmental, in the amount of $ 100.00 pesos m/n (MXN). |
| Young Jaguars Reported on the Slopes of Volcán San Martín Tuxtlas August 30, 2009 |
| To date the reserve has lost up to 70% of the forested areas that existed in the past century, creating a critical threat according to the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca (SEMARNAT). Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C. (DEMATAC) knows well the reality of what is happening in this "magical" area of Los Tuxtlas; that now can boast of only 30% of its original green areas. The President of the DEMATAC, Jessica Swanson Santiago, states that attempts to educate the public of the importance of preserving this ecosystem are largely ignored. "We visit core areas of the Reserva twice monthly and see first hand the results of illegal lumbering and hunting. Illegal hunting is practiced with more frequency than lumbering because it is much easier to conceal and transport the fruits of the illegal labor", Jessica explains. She also states that "for certain government organizations to deny the existence or severity of these activities is an outright lie"; and that "one of the most severely affected areas is located around the community of Ruiz Cortines, on the slopes of San Martin Volcano". |
| English Translation of Adjacent Text Published in AVC Noticias September 17, 2009 The Preservation of the Biosfera de Los Tuxtlas is at Risk "Environmentalists confirm that illegal lumbering and clandestine hunting continues within the Reserve; destroying the natural habitat of porcupines, anteaters, puma, opossum", and other wildlife. Clandestine hunting and illegal lumbering are advancing to the degree that they are putting at risk the preservation of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas. |
| Lake Catemaco Toxin Report by Florida International University First evidence of “paralytic shellfish toxins” and cylindrospermopsin in a Mexican freshwater system, Lago Catemaco, and apparent bioaccumulation of the toxins in “tegogolo” snails (Pomacea patula catemacensis) References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this article. John P. Berrya, , and Owen Lindb aDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 354 Marine Science Building, 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181, USA bDepartment of Biology, Baylor University, 420 Baylor Sciences Building, Waco, TX 76798, USA Received 1 April 2009; revised 7 July 2009; accepted 21 July 2009. Available online 3 August 2009. Abstract: Exposure to cyanobacterial toxins in freshwater systems, including both direct (e.g., drinking water) and indirect (e.g., bioaccumulation in food webs) routes, is emerging as a potentially significant threat to human health. We investigated cyanobacterial toxins, specifically cylindrospermopsin (CYN), the microcystins (MCYST) and the “paralytic shellfish toxins” (PST), in Lago Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico). Lago Catemaco is a tropical lake dominated by Cylindrospermopsis, specifically identified as Cylindrospermopsis catemaco and Cylindrospermopsis philippinensis, and characterized by an abundant, endemic species of snail (Pomacea patula catemacensis), known as “tegogolos,” that is both consumed locally and commercially important. Samples of water, including dissolved and particulate fractions, as well as extracts of tegogolos, were screened using highly specific and sensitive ELISA. ELISA identified CYN and PST at low concentrations in only one sample of seston; however, both toxins were detected at appreciable quantities in tegogolos. Calculated bioaccumulation factors (BAF) support bioaccumulation of both toxins in tegogolos. The presence of CYN in the phytoplankton was further confirmed by HPLC-UV and LC-MS, following concentration and extraction of algal cells, but the toxin could not be confirmed by these methods in tegogolos. These data represent the first published evidence for CYN and the PST in Lago Catemaco and, indeed, for any freshwater system in Mexico. Identification of the apparent bioaccumulation of these toxins in tegogolos may suggest the need to further our understanding of the transfer of cyanobacterial toxins in freshwater food webs as it relates to human health. |
| Diagnosis of the Actual State of Contamination of Lake Catemaco (Diagnóstico del Estado Actual del Lago Catemaco) Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) November 8, 2009 |
