Juárez: Accusations of ‘Ecocide’ as 200 Century-Old Trees Felled for Industrial Park
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua – A storm of controversy has erupted in Ciudad Juárez following the felling of an estimated 200 century-old trees to make way for a new industrial park. Agricultural producers and environmentalists are denouncing the act as a potential ‘ecocide’, highlighting the significant environmental value of the affected area in a region already scarce in vegetation.
The Denunciation: A ‘Systemic Injustice’ Uncovered
The alarm was raised by members of the Association of Users of the First Unit of Irrigation District 009. They contend that the removal of these ancient trees, located between Federal Highway 2 (Juárez-Porvenir) and the Bravo River, constitutes a severe blow to the local ecosystem. The area, once agricultural land, is now being leveled for industrial development.
José Luis Rubio Candelaria, president of the association, stated that around 200 trees growing alongside the San Miguel irrigation canal – a crucial part of the region’s hydraulic infrastructure – were removed. He emphasized that this canal has a 12-meter right-of-way on each side, belonging to the Irrigation District, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the ongoing work.
Rubio Candelaria asserted, “It’s an ecocide, damage to the environment.” He underscored that Ciudad Juárez, an arid zone, heavily relies on trees to mitigate high temperatures, improve air quality, and maintain ecological balance. The loss of such mature trees, he argues, is irreplaceable in the short term.
The Municipality’s Stance: Authorization and Compensation
Documents presented by the association reveal that the Municipal Directorate of Parks and Gardens issued a permit for the tree removal. The request came from the company Vesta Baja California, S. de R. L. de C. V., which plans to construct an industrial park in the Zaragoza neighborhood.
The permit, dated February 4, 2026, authorized the removal of 200 trees. Following a technical review, the municipal authority found no objection to the request. A key condition of the permit mandates the company to replace the forest mass by donating three trees for each one removed, or by providing equivalent plant material to the Directorate’s nursery.
Daniel Iván Zamarrón, Director of Parks and Gardens, defended the authorization, explaining that the company acquired the land for the industrial facility. He maintained that the department is empowered to authorize tree removal for construction projects or other justified reasons. Zamarrón reiterated that the permit includes environmental compensation measures to offset the removed trees. As of now, the company responsible for the project has not publicly commented on the accusations.
The Irreplaceable Value of Ancient Trees
While the permit includes provisions for tree replacement, environmental specialists consistently warn that a century-old tree cannot be immediately substituted by young saplings. Mature trees offer environmental benefits that take decades to recover:
- They capture significantly larger amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- They provide extensive shade, helping to reduce urban temperatures.
- They promote water infiltration into the subsoil.
- They serve as vital habitats for birds, insects, and other species.
- They reduce soil erosion and enhance air quality.
Environmental organizations stress that while forest compensation measures can mitigate some impacts, they cannot instantly replicate the ecological functions of trees that have matured over decades or centuries. This incident in Ciudad Juárez reignites the crucial debate surrounding the balance between industrial development, economic growth, and the preservation of environmental heritage, especially in regions where vegetation is sparse and every tree is a critical resource against extreme climatic conditions.
Unanswered Questions and a Call for Accountability
The core of the controversy lies in the perceived imbalance between economic gain and ecological loss. Critics argue that the long-term environmental consequences of felling ancient trees far outweigh the immediate benefits of industrial expansion, particularly in a city already grappling with arid conditions and high temperatures.
The lack of public comment from Vesta Baja California, S. de R. L. de C. V. further fuels public concern, leaving many questions unanswered about the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship beyond the mandated compensation.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities worldwide in balancing progress with preservation. As Ciudad Juárez continues its development, the shadow of these felled ancient trees will undoubtedly loom large, prompting a re-evaluation of environmental policies and the true cost of unchecked industrial growth.
Our questions remain:
- Is the mandated tree replacement truly adequate compensation for the loss of 200 century-old trees?
- What specific environmental impact assessments were conducted before issuing the permit?
- What are the long-term ecological and climatic consequences for Ciudad Juárez due to this massive tree removal?
- Will there be a re-evaluation of urban planning and environmental protection policies to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/06/28/denuncian-tala-de-200-arboles-centenarios-en-ciudad-juarez-para-construir-parque-industrial-lo-califican-como-ecocidio/
