JUCHITAN DE ZARAGOZA, México (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – The ever-breezy Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a narrow land bridge between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca, is turning into an international wind-farm mecca.
At least a dozen companies from around the world, anxious to take advantage of Oaxaca’s abundant clean energy opportunities and Mexico’s access to carbon-reduction credits, have installed more than 3,200 turbines, investing some $4 billion since the wind rush began here 20 years ago.
Several of the wind energy projects that have leased land in this largely indigenous-owned area are flourishing in the wake of consultations with residents. Other projects have experienced anything but breezy relationships with local landlords. Community infighting, blockades, takeovers, protests, injunctions, and human rights cases have led to delays and even the suspension of one project charted to become Mexico’s largest wind farm.
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For more information see: Bií Hioxo Wind Energy Project Hurting Indigenous Peoples and their Territories, Attack and harassment of human rights defender and member of Asamblea Popular del Pueblo de Juchitán Ms Carmen Ruiz Martínez, On Mexican Isthmus, Indigenous Communities Oppose Massive Energy Projects, Cancellation of Mexican wind farm highlights flaw in green transition
