Take Action to help Isidro Baldenegro Lopez

The United States needs to change its policy regarding the trade of timber. We must adopt a more balanced policy that outlaws the importation of illegal timber and protects individuals living in exporting countries.

Below is a sample letter and addresses for individuals whom are key players in affecting change regarding illegal timber practices in Mexico. We encourage you to personalize these communications, and help increase the awareness of this effort.

Write to Chihuahuan Governor Lic. José Reyes Baeza Terrazas and send copies to the Chihuahuan Attorney General Lic. Patricia Lucila González Rodríguez

Dear _________________

I am writing to ask that you ensure the safety and legal protection of all Mexican citizens who seek to defend forests in your state. In order to accomplish this, please support the full recognition of the traditional land rights of the Tarahumara people. In addition, I ask you to please maintain a moratorium on all logging in the Sierra Tarahumara region surrounding Coloradas de la Virgen in Chihuahua state until:

  • All land tenure conflicts are satisfactorily resolved;
  • A full forest assessment of the area is completed;
  • A comprehensive sustainable forest management plan is developed with the full participation of the ejido communities in the Tarahumara area; and
  • The prosecution of Artemio Fontes is undertaken.

I am also writing in support of compensation for Isidro Baldenegro Lopez. I urge you to reimburse him for the 15 months he spent in prison for the trumped up charges of illegal drugs and weapons possession. Requiring Chihuahua and the state to pay these environmentalists is a fair action to honor his suffering.

Additionally, police protection is not enough to keep him safe.Two of the four police officers responsible for carrying out Baldenegro’s arrest are still unaccounted for, and an immediate investigation aimed at finding them is critical. I urge you to advance the prosecution of the two policemen already in custody. Investigation into the dozens of crimes committed by the Fontes family is also essential for providing security and bringing justice to the Tarahumara of Coloradas de la Virgen.

Sincerely,

Addresses:

Lic. José Reyes Baeza Terrazas
Gobernador del Estado de Chihuahua.
C. ALDAMA No. 901, COL. CENTRO.
Chihuahua, Chihuahua
C.P. 31000

Lic. Patricia Lucila González Rodríguez
Procuradora General Justicia del Estado
Vicente Guerrero Nº 616
Colonia Centro
Chihuahua, Chihuahua
C.P. 31000
429-33-89 y 429-33-85 Ext: 11401

For additional information on timber in Mexico: