From global to local: impact assessment and social implications related to wind energy projects in Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

In order to forecast likely impacts, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been applied worldwide. There are numerous social and cultural impacts that can hardly be addressed in a single EIA, and raise the awareness of social issues and proper assessment therein. This paper analyzes the social conflicts related to wind development projects in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico using a qualitative approach. By conducting a Constellation Analysis (CA) in our case studies, this article aims at: 1) identifying the challenges and improvement opportunities for the social and environmental assessment of wind energy projects in Oaxaca, and 2) presenting CA as a novel approach to visualize and identify social and environmental issues. This paper emphasizes the relevance of earlier assessment of social implications to projects. This example can contribute to a better understanding of further research at Mexico's regional and national levels, as well as in other regions or countries with similar development patterns.

Who owns the land owns the wind? Land and citizenship in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico

“…Between the announcement of the new wind farm location and the beginning of the construction phase, the Mexican government approved an energy reform in 2013 requiring a Social Impact Assessment for energy projects and an FPIC procedure in indigenous areas (Dunlap, 2017; Huesca‐Pérez et al, 2018; International Labour Organization [ILO], 1989). Accordingly, consultation processes began in 2013 in El Espinal and 2014 in Juchitán, with disparate pathways (Advisory Group, 2015; Municipal Presidency of El Espinal, 2017).…”