| DEFENSORES DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE DE LOS TUXTLAS, A. C. ecological activism COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS 2008 |
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| Complaint Filed in Santiago Tuxtla February 12, 2008 We filed a complaint regarding the contamination of Tibernal River with the Oficina de Obras Públicas (Office of Public Works) and the Secretario del Municipio de Santiago Tuxtla (Municipal Secretary of Santiago Tuxtla). We hope to have a report on the results by mid March. |
| "COME SWIM WITH ME" in the pristine waters of Lake Catemaco Bring your children - and your pregnant women Catemaco – ¿Magic Village? ¿Model Village? |
| APRIL 9, 11:00 a. m. – Raw Sewage Directly into Lake Catemaco Photos: Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson |
| What are you going to do Señor Municipal President Jorge González Azamar? Jorge? I don't hear you, Jorge! Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago cc: Lic. Fidel Herrera Bertrán, Gobernador del Estado de Veracruz Rosa Borunda de Herrera, DIF del Estado CMAS El Dictamen Diario Los Tuxtlas Diario del Istmo www.dematac.org www.catemaconoticias.com DEMATAC email list |
| Open Letter April 10, 2008 |
| For Months: Traffic Hazard & Source of Pollution Photo: www.catemaconoticias.com |
| An Easter Week (Semana Santa) Tourist Attraction Photo: www.lostuxtlasdiario.com |
| Bonfire of the Vanities in Catemaco April, 2008 Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C. is asking that the President Municipal de Catemaco, Lic. Jorge González Azamar, prohibit burning of trash in the communities included in the municipality of Catemaco, and within the village itself. The reason is obvious. The burning of inorganic material, principally plastic, can cause severe respiratory problems for children, adults, and the elderly; and in extreme cases, lung and throat cancer and eye infections, among others. In addition, indiscriminate burning contributes to global warming and the greenhouse effect. DEMATAC believes that it is extremely important that these type of activities be prohibited. We hope we can rely on the support of President Gonzales Azamar for an effective solution to this problem as soon as possible, and have no doubt about his concern due to his interest in seeing Catemaco become a "Pueblo Modelo" (Model Village). |
| DEMATAC has filed a complaint with PROFEPA requesting that they investigate, and we will visit the quarantine site personally. We have also requested that PROFEPA investigate the UMA (Authorized Management Unit) Yoliguani, located at Paso del Ingenio in the municipality of Ángel R. Cabada, Veracruz. The UMA is responsible for the quarantine site. The investigation will determine whether or not the animals are being treated with proper dignity and in accordance with the "Ley General de Vida Silvestre" (General Wildlife Regulations). DEMATAC has also petitioned that PROFEPA have the support of a licensed veterinarian during the visit to assure that an expert opinion is available. We will follow up to verify the PROFEPA visit and their resulting opinions and actions. |
| Apparent Inhumane Wildlife Management by UMA Yolihuani April 22, 2008 |
| Unexplained Deaths of Wildlife at the UMA EKOMESA April 18, 2008 |
| Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C. has requested that PROFEPA realize an inspection visit at the UMA EKOMESA (Authorized Management Unit EKOMESA), located at the installations of Grupo Karat in Banderilla, Xalapa, Veracruz, to investigate the deaths of two jaguarundis, and to examine the condition of the wildlife housed there. DEMATAC has also requested that the inspectors from PROFEPA be accompanied by a licensed veterinarian wildlife specialist. We consider that it is important to have a qualified professional present. In our position as an association concerned the welfare of captive wildlife, and as the complainant, we are anxious to be informed of the results of this inspection. |
| Illegal Firewood in Los tuxtlas 24 de mayo, 2008 |
During an inspection tour along the coast of Los Tuxtlas and nearby communities on
May 24, 2008, DEMATAC encountered a red stake truck, license XN 962 21, on the
Sontecomapan—Coxcopan highway, filled with fresh cut firewood.
The owner of the vehicle is Moisés Vicente Román, who resides at Calle 16 de
Septiembre, in the community of Sontecomapan, municipality of Catemaco,
Veracruz.
We have presented a written complain before PROFEPA and are awaiting results.
May 24, 2008, DEMATAC encountered a red stake truck, license XN 962 21, on the
Sontecomapan—Coxcopan highway, filled with fresh cut firewood.
The owner of the vehicle is Moisés Vicente Román, who resides at Calle 16 de
Septiembre, in the community of Sontecomapan, municipality of Catemaco,
Veracruz.
We have presented a written complain before PROFEPA and are awaiting results.
| Detonation of Explosives on Offshore Reefs of Los Tuxtlas May 16, 2008 DEMATAC has been anonymously informed by residents of the community of Arrecifes, municipality of Mecayapan, Veracruz, that unknown vessels and light aircraft have been detonating explosives offshore from Arrecifes. It is rumored that this involves offshore oil exploration. This raises concern for water fowl and fish habitat in the area, and especially the effect it may have on the sea turtle nesting areas. DEMATAC has made a written request to PROFEPA to investigate these complaints as soon as possible , considering the gravity of the accusations. |
| Prohibited Construction in Federal Zone May 16, 2008 Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., has been informed anonymously by residents of the community of Arrecifes, Municipality of Mecayapan, that Leopoldo Díaz Monfil, who resides in the community of Arrecifes, is in the process of construction in a federal zone on the banks of the Olapan River. We have officially informed PROFEPA and are awaiting a response from their local office. |
| Unauthorized Sale of Lumber Catemaco? May 21, 2008 Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C. (DEMATAC), filed an official complaint with Patricio Patrón Laviada, Procurador Federal de Protección al Ambiente, México, requesting an investigation of the following: At approximately 10:30 p. m. on May 21, 2008 we were advised that fresh cut lumber was being delivered to #23 Avenida Hidalgo, Catemaco, Veracruz. We immediately filed a complaint by telephone with the Biologist, María Dolores Castillo Gallegos, Residente de PROFEPA en Catemaco. |
| Lack of PROFEPA Inspectors in Los Tuxtlas May 26, 2008 DEMATAC, during inspection trips throughout Los Tuxtlas, has seen much evidence of illegal hunting and illegal deforestation. This is the reality, despite the fact that authorities such as the Reserva de la Biosfera—Los Tuxtlas and PROFEPA del estado de Veracruz, have stated on various occasions that these violations have decreased considerably. What causes even more concern is that these violations are evident near populated areas. What is the situation in the back country where vigilance is minimal? We have received numerous complaints from Los Tuxtlas residents that their reports and complains do not receive attention within a reasonable time period. An example is a complaint filed two months ago with PROFEPA by residents of Sontecomapan, Veracruz, which has still not been responded to. The PROFEPA offices are located only 3o minutes from Sontecomapan. DEMATAC is aware of the need for more PROFEPA personnel in the area of Los Tuxtlas. At present, there are only two inspectors who must cover an area containing approximately 15 municipalities. For these reasons, DEMATAC has officially, and in writing, requested that attention be brought to this lack of personnel and that steps be taken to correct the situation. We have previously voiced our concern to the Veracruz PROFEPA Delegate, Lic. Francisco Luis Briseño and to the Sub-delegate of Investigation and Vigilance, Lic. Héctor Miguel Castillo Andrade. Our concerns have thus far been ignored by these officials. DEMATAC does not want to fail to mention that we have received support from PROFEPA, Veracruz in many instances during the past two years, but lately the complains filed by local communities, and by DEMATAC, have not received efficient attention. As mentioned previously, this may be due in part to a lack of qualified personnel - perhaps. We have filed this complaint with Patricio Patrón Laviada, Procurador Federal de Protección al Ambiente. If we do not receive a timely response to this complaint, and to those listed below, we will have no recourse but to make our voice heard through the news media and through contact with other government offices. (Note: PROFEPA (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente) is an administrative organ of SEMARNAT (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales) with technical and operational autonomy, in charge the enforcement of policies and regulations of: SEMARNAT (Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales) (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources), a federal government agency whose main purpose is to create an environmental protection policy reversing the tendencies of ecological deterioration and establishing the foundations for a sustainable development in Mexico.) |
| The Biologist Castillo was not able to visit the location for personal reasons. When we requested that she send the Catemaco PROFEPA Inspector, Biol. Odette Isabel Cadena Morales, who lives approximately two blocks from the addrress where the lumber was being delivered, we were told that Odette could not go alone. We contacted the Policía del Estado de Veracruz for assistence and they referred us to the Policía Municipal de Catemaco, under the command of Comandante Silvio Tiburcio. The municipal police went to the address, spend five minutes and left. We do not know the results of the investigation. |
| DEMATAC has filed this complaint with PROFEPA due to the fact that this instance appeared to be a violation in progress, and should have received immediate attention. DEMATAC is well aware of the lack of PROFEPA personnel in the area of Los Tuxtlas, but this does not justify the failure to respond to a complain of a violation taking place only two blocks away. PROFEPA requests public support, and the reporting of possible violations. Why, If they are unable, or unwilling for "personal reasons", to respond? We hope that PROFEPA will take the necessary steps to resolve this problem and to provide adequate and efficient personnel in the area of Los Tuxtlas. |
Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C. Received a complaint regarding wildlife rehab carelessness and poor
conditions in the case of a jaguarundi (herpailurus yagouaroundi) and a grey fox (urocyon cinereoargenteus). These
animals, housed on property located at Calle 1 norte #35, Colonia Rafael Hernández Ocho, Jalapa, Veracruz, supposedly in
quarantine; and under the care of Ángel Luis Vela Delgado, are reputedly suffering inhumane treatment.
The jaguarundi is bound by an approximately five foot length of chain, anchored to a log. The animal shows symptoms of stress
and suffering, and is exceptionally aggressive. The grey fox is caged in a rough kennel approximately 4 by 3 feet, and about 6 feet
high, and is chained. She shows signs of illness and is overweight. Obviously she does not have room for exercise.
conditions in the case of a jaguarundi (herpailurus yagouaroundi) and a grey fox (urocyon cinereoargenteus). These
animals, housed on property located at Calle 1 norte #35, Colonia Rafael Hernández Ocho, Jalapa, Veracruz, supposedly in
quarantine; and under the care of Ángel Luis Vela Delgado, are reputedly suffering inhumane treatment.
The jaguarundi is bound by an approximately five foot length of chain, anchored to a log. The animal shows symptoms of stress
and suffering, and is exceptionally aggressive. The grey fox is caged in a rough kennel approximately 4 by 3 feet, and about 6 feet
high, and is chained. She shows signs of illness and is overweight. Obviously she does not have room for exercise.
| Extraction of Raw Material June 27 , 2008 During our visits to sea turtle nurseries, we discovered excavation equipment working at the edge of Río Olapan (Olapan River) near the community of Arrecifes. Our investigation determined that material is being extracted for road repairs in the community of La Perla del Golfo. In the 20 minutes we were there, we counted 11 trucks with capacities of 7 and 11 cubic meters transporting the material. The local inhabitants informed us that the trucks had been working for eight days from early morning to late evening, extracting material. The residents state that the Municipal President of Mecayapan is responsible for this extraction and transportation. DEMATAC has filed a formal complaint with PROFEPA en Catemaco, which has jurisdiction over this area. |
| Interview with the Diario del Istmo September 6, 2008 As part of a press conference, our president spoke about the ongoing illegal lumbering practices in Los Tuxtlas, specifically a recent case of 15 hectares being destroyed, and the lack of personnel from PROFEPA in the area. |
| Your tax deductible donation will help protect the northernmost tropical rain forest in the Americas, and contribute to environmental awareness worldwide. |
| Keel-billed Tucanes and Yellow-headed Amazon Parrot March 29, 2008 During a visit to the Gulf coast of Los Tuxtlas, we discovered two Keel-billed Toucans and two Yellow headed Amazon Parrots in the restaurant "El Muñeco", owned by David Cruz Tiburcio, and located in the community of Arroyo de Lisa, Puerto Pesquro Roca Partida, Municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla. We filed a complaint with PROFEPA on March 31, 2008, and are awaiting the results. |
| Baby Wild Birds July 11, 2008 DEMATAC has been informed anonymously by a resident of the community of Montepio, Municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz, that the Señora Eva Martínez Pedro, has in her home, baby wild birds of an unspecified species. We have requested that PROFEPA make an inspection of the property as soon as possible. |
| Montepio Hotel Displays Protected Keel-billed Toucans July 11, 2008 DEMATAC has been anonymously informed by residents of the community of Montepio, Municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz, that the Hotel Paraíso has two caged Keel-billed Toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus) on display. We have requested that PROFEPA make an inspection of the property as soon as possible to verify the accusation. |