In a show of rejection and defense of their territory in Sinaloa, citizens took to the streets of Los Mochis in a massive march to demand the definitive cancellation of the Gas y Petroquímica de Occidente (GPO) ammonia plant project in Ohuira Bay and the Mexinol methanol production plant in the port of Topolobampo.
Under the banner of the ¡Aquí No! (Not Here!) collective, the demonstration brought together diverse social sectors with a common purpose: to protect Ohuira Bay and the future of their communities.
The march began at the intersection of Centenario and Macario Gaxiola Boulevards. From there, the group proceeded on foot through different parts of the city, concluding their route in the Privanzas neighborhood.
Given the large turnout, Ahome Municipal Transit officers deployed an operation to close several roads and ensure the safety of the participants.
Children, young people, senior citizens, and entire families joined the march. Also participating were contingents from Indigenous communities in the region who, traveling by car, motorcycle, or on foot, demonstrated their support for the defense of their territory.
The contingent was led by Felipe Montaño, representative of the Indigenous community of Ohuira, who marched at the head of thousands of people demanding respect for their rights and the region’s biodiversity.
The march was accompanied by chants and banners with messages such as “Not Here!”, “Save Ohuira Bay,” “Save Our Home,” and “No to the construction of the GPO ammonia plant here.”
The “Not Here!” movement arose as a response from residents of Topolobampo, Paredones, Lázaro Cárdenas, and Ohuira to what they consider an ecological threat stemming from the installation of a large-scale fertilizer plant in a highly sensitive ecosystem.
Ohuira Bay is the main source of income for hundreds of families dedicated to fishing due to its high marine productivity. Furthermore, it holds the designation of a Ramsar site, an international recognition granted to wetlands of ecological importance, and is considered a territory of cultural significance for the Mayo-Yoreme indigenous nation.
Among the main concerns of those who oppose the project are the potential environmental impacts associated with the discharge of high-temperature water, the handling of chemical substances, the damage to mangroves, and the risks that a possible ammonia leak would pose to nearby areas.
Despite public consultations and legal proceedings initiated in recent years, the dissenting communities have maintained their opposition to the project, arguing that industrial development should not compromise their environment, traditions, or productive activities.
This Sunday’s march once again demonstrated the persistence of the opposition movement in northern Sinaloa and the enduring relevance of the demands of those seeking to halt the plant’s construction.
State Government Calls for Dialogue Regarding Projects in Topolobampo
Sinaloa’s interim governor, Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde, reiterated her willingness to engage in dialogue with Indigenous communities whose interests are threatened by the GPO and Mexinol industrial projects in Topolobampo.
The governor reported that she recently met with traditional governors from Ahome, who, she indicated, expressed their support for the region’s industrialization, considering the 2022 consultation valid and stating that the projects do not encroach upon their communities or their lands.
Bonilla Valverde affirmed that environmental specialists have presented technical studies that rule out any negative impacts from the operation of the planned plants. However, environmental groups and opposing communities continue to question the potential ecological impacts of the projects.
While protests against the ammonia plant continue, some indigenous representatives have reiterated a favorable stance toward the project, provided that their traditions are respected, access to information is guaranteed, and their authorities are recognized.
Source: msn
