11.2.2016

Mexican Senate approves Earth Charter ESD programme

parliamentary-agreement-in-mexican-senate-on-esd-acuerdo-en-el-senado-de-mexico-sobre-edsThe Mexican Senate passed a national programme for education for sustainable development using the Earth Charter.

The Earth Charter network in Mexico has achieved great success in getting the Senate of Mexico to adopt an agreement that calls upon the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Education, and the Secretariat of Social Development to formulate and establish a national program of education for sustainable development considering the principles of the Earth Charter. This agreement was signed by Senator Benjamin Oaxaca Angel Robles Montoya, the Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Revolution.

In discussing the agreement during the session of January 13, Senator Luis Humberto Fernandez Fuentes (PRD) acknowledged the work of the Second Committee, which has made a major effort to align positions and reach agreements. He explained that the implementation of policies in the framework of the Earth Charter will be of great benefit to Mexico. This comprehensive document, he said, follows in the footsteps of the Declaration of Human Rights, and focuses on building a just, sustainable, and peaceful society.

The deputy Ericka Araceli Rodriguez Hernandez (PRI) expressed her vote for the ruling as it will continue to meet the global programme of action for education for sustainable development promoted by UNESCO, and thus promote care and respect for the planet and its inhabitants.

Senator Raul Pozos Aaron Lanz (PRI) defended the right to exploit natural resources as long as future generations are not negatively affected. He noted that the legislature has taken the guidelines of the Earth Charter to guide public policy and promote sustainability with respect for human rights. He expressed his commitment to the environment and promoting sustainability as an assurance to future generations.

The content of the agreement contains extensive information justifying the need to promote education for sustainable development using the Earth Charter for educational programmes, but also, as a guiding instrument of legislative policy, especially given that following the reform of the Mexican Constitution, it is the duty of all authorities to promote, protect, and guarantee all matters relating to human rights. The full text of this resolution can be found at this link.

Several articles in the news media reported this point. Here are some links:

Congress Channel

PRD Parliamentary Group

Information from the agricultural and forestry sector