Recently, the proposal "Rivers for Life: III International Meeting of Those Affected by Dams and in Defense of Rivers" was presented in Guadalajara, Jalisco. During this event, the Movement of Those Affected by Dams (MAR) was founded with the aim of highlighting the importance of establishing comprehensive water management as a human right. Thousands of people joined to declare "The Water Revolution," in an initiative led by Deputy Candelaria Ochoa Ávalos.
The meeting included the participation of activists, communities, and civil organizations and took place in Temacapulín, Acasico, and Palmarejo from March 12 to 16, 2025. The main objective was to strengthen the fight for water, life, and the defense of territories against the megaprojects threatening these areas.
Representatives of the Mayan Rivers Alliance reported that communities, organizations, and activists from Mexico and Latin America attended the event. During the meeting, experiences, strategies, and challenges in socio-environmental resistance were shared. Furthermore, the conference "Justice Plan for the Comprehensive Reparation in the Temacapulín, Acasico, and Palmarejo Communities" was held.
Marco Von Bourstel emphasized that the movements in defense of water and territories in Mexico face significant challenges this year, including the reactivation of projects in Nayarit, Zacatecas, and Jalisco. The event served as a space for reflection on the current situation, anticipating the "IV International Meeting of Those Affected by Dams and in Defense of Rivers," scheduled for October 2025 in Brazil.
The meeting "Water, Land, and Life" was organized in Jalisco in commemoration of the "International Day Against Dams and Defense of Rivers" which takes place on March 14. This event aims to build fronts for the articulation of communities to continue working in the defense and conservation of water and territories. It provided a space for dialogue for communities to find elements for listening, understanding, and positive resolution of conflicts.
