MEXICO: ALERT AGAINST GENETICALLY MODIFIED CORN
Because of the intent of companies like Monsanto, Pioneer and Dow to agriculturally produce on Mexican soil, civil organizations (non-governmental) of the entire country gave alert to the danger that the production of genetically modified corn represents. Jan. 18, the Net in Defense of Maiz, the Popular Urban Movement and the student movement “Yo Soy 132,” among others, at a press conference, announced their rejection of the genetically produced products, considering them to be a danger to native corn and to bio diversity. They reported that it destroys the possibilities of independent production, and is harmful to health and to the environment. On Feb. 7 this issue will be debated between non-governmental organizations and representatives from the executive branch of the Mexican government. It will take place at the Autonomous National University of Mexico.
MEXICO: ANOTHER SPILL AND PEMEX ATTEMPTS TO HIDE IT
There occurred another crude oil spill on Jan. 13, on the outskirts of Veracruz, Mexico, but it was not until Jan. 16 that the incident was reported by the local news, since PEMEX maintained complete silence on the occurrence. The information published shows that the spill took place when a PVC tubing fractured while work was being done to explore new wells. Until now the quantity of spilled crude oil and the extent of the damaged area is unknown. Greenpeace has called upon the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection as well as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to do a follow-up on this occurrence, and impose sanctions of those responsible.