On Tuesday, 11 July, the event “Alliance for Sustainability, a commitment to the Earth Charter” was held, promoted by the Commission on Environment and Climate Change of the State Congress of Quintana Roo, Mexico and the Universidad del Caribe Campus Cancun.
The event, held at the Universidad del Caribe in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, had the purpose of making public the commitment of the State of Quintana Roo through the XVII Legislature (the State Congress), with sustainability and the principles of the Earth Charter. The signing of this commitment represents an important step in the legislative agenda of the Environment and Climate Change Commission of the Quintana Roo State Congress.
This event was a follow-up to the Agreement presented in the congress in December 2022 “so that, in a collaborative effort between the three Sovereign Powers of the State, the principles and values of the Earth Charter are adopted as an ethical framework for sustainable development and to promote more just, inclusive and equitable lifestyles and practices.”
Deputy Andrea del Rosario González Loria, President of the Environment and Climate Change Commission, explained that this commitment was approved unanimously by the State Congress and recognizes the importance of applying the principles of the Earth Charter in decision-making and in the implementation of programmes and projects in Quintana Roo. She stressed that this commitment marks an important step towards the implementation of policies and concrete actions to address climate change and promote resilience in the face of its impacts. She also highlighted the importance of environmental education.
When welcoming on behalf of the Universidad del Caribe, the Rector, Lic. Marisol Vanegas Pérez, highlighted that this University signed the commitment to the Earth Charter since 2012 and each year endorses it and implements actions aimed at promoting the education and research on sustainability issues.
The signing of the agreement, promoted by Deputy Andrea del Rosario González Loria, President of the Commission on Environment and Climate Change of the Quintana Roo State Congress, counted as witness of honor the Secretary of Ecology and Environment, Huguette Hernández Gómez, representing Governor Mara Lezama, Dr. Mirian Vilela, Executive Director of Earth Charter International; Dr. Mateo Castillo Ceja, Head of the Earth Charter Initiative in Mexico.
In her speech, Eng. Josefina Huguette Hernández Gómez, pointed out that signing this commitment recognizes the importance of applying these principles in political decision-making and in the implementation of programmes and projects in the state of Quintana Roo, as well as strengthening efforts to bring environmental education in various contexts.
The event also featured a Panel “The Alliance for Sustainability for social and environmental transformation” moderated by Yaneri García, director of Ecology of the Benito Juárez municipality with the participation of:
- Mirian Vilela, Executive Director of Earth Charter International
- Mateo Castillo Ceja, Head of the Earth Charter Initiative in Mexico
- José Luis Pedro Funes Izaguirre, Awarded the “Ramón Bravo Prieto” Medal of Merit for Ecological Protection
Young leaders of the Earth Charter of Quintana Roo, Deputies, academics and various representatives of the local government participated.
Remarks by Deputy Andrea del Rosario González Loria, President of the Environment and Climate Change Commission:
“I am proud to announce that we are joining forces with an international network of organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to promote the fundamental ethical principles of the Earth Charter.
In our beautiful state of Quintana Roo, we have an extraordinary natural wealth, our environment is an invaluable treasure. We have been entrusted with the duty to protect and preserve this legacy for future generations.
…
Today, by signing this commitment, we reaffirm our determination to take concrete measures to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in Quintana Roo. One of the key aspects of this commitment is the prioritization of environmental education. We recognize that knowledge and awareness are powerful tools for bringing about positive change. Therefore, we commit to strengthening environmental education in our schools and communities, so that future generations grow up with a deep respect for nature, becoming defenders of our environment.
Quintana Roo has a crucial role to play in protecting our planet and building a more equitable and sustainable future. As government and citizens, we have the ability to make a difference and lay the foundations for a development that respects and values our natural environment.
Today, by signing this pledge, we are taking a bold step toward a better future. I urge each of you to join us in this joint effort.”
Media coverage (in Spanish):
https://www.lajornadamaya.mx/quintana-roo/217755/firman-en-cancun-alianza-por-la-sustentabilidad