Dear Sirs, 

 

Together with thousands of people around the world, we express our support for the struggle of the Wixarika people to defend the sacred place Wirikuta, in the state of San Luis Potosí, from environmental and cultural devastation by mining companies and agribusiness.

 

We fully support the statement by the communities of San Sebastián Teponahuaxtlán, Tuxpan de Bolaños, Santa Catarina Cuexcomatitlán, Bancos de San Hipólito as well as the scientists, academics and intellectuals of the Technical – Environmental working group of the Front in Defense of Wirikuta Tamatsima Wahaa calling for a decree to create a biosphere reserve that respects the biocultural rights of the Wixarika people and campesinos who live in Wirikuta prohibiting mining exploration and exploitation in any form in core and buffer zones of the protected area. We also demand that the the management plan be developed and implemented in full collaboration with the Wixarika people, advisors of their choice and the inhabitants of the region.

 

We are also aware and concerned that the mining companies and local authorities are engaged in a campaign against this proposal giving false information to the local population and campesinos. They falsely say that the reserve would not allow subsitance farming and other activities. This is creating an environment for violance that could end badly. It is urgent that federal authorities give the correct information about the advantages of the Reserve.

 

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition you, President Calderón, to save the "place where the sun was born" for all generations to come.

 

Sincerely,

[Your name]