Camacho, A. F. G. (2020). Community empowerment and sustainability of the common forest of Cheran, Mexico [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Michigan State University.
The thesis presents information regarding the situation with the sustainability of the forest of Cheran in Mexico. By examining this case, the author explains that decentralization of ownership is ineffective in the long run due to the risks of illegal exploitation (Camacho, 2020). In turn, community empowerment positively correlates with improvements in the way they are used, as can be seen from previous social movements emerging as a response to this threat (Camacho, 2020). Thus, the legal underpinning of people’s actions is connected to the creation of a self-governing system, which promotes the recovery of forests.
Cho, K., Goldstein, B., Gounaridis, D., & Newell, J. P. (2021). Where does your guacamole come from? Detecting deforestation associated with the exports of avocados from Mexico to the United States. Journal of Environmental Management, 278, 111482.
This article draws a connection between the increased export of avocados and the subsequent deforestation and claims the neglect of this problem by both farmers and authorities. In particular, the region of Michoacán is considered the leading supplier of these products to the United States, and its vast chain of workers does not allow easily receive substantial information regarding the issue. The authors prove that this case is a direct threat to biodiversity and mention the expansion of plantations as the principal risk factor. In turn, the suggestions to eliminate the adverse environmental impact include legal regulations and transparency of operations.
De la Vega Rivera, A. (2017). Cultivation of organic avocado in Michoacan, Mexico: A production model of communal territories. The Netherlands XVI Biennial IASC-Conference.
This source provides comprehensive data regarding the benefits of promoting the production of organic avocado instead of following traditional models. According to the author, the latter is detrimental to the environment and society as it implies high use of agrochemicals and water while lowering employment in other fields (De la Vega Rivera, 2017). The proposed solution to this challenge is underpinned by its lower environmental harms, contributions to forest conservation, and the possibility of reducing the consumption of natural resources. In addition, this approach can be advantageous for establishing fair relations between the participants in the production process.
Häberli, C. (2019). Please make avocados sustainable again! International Affairs Forum, 44-47.
In this piece, the author raises the question of the non-compliance of avocado farms with the principles of sustainability. According to him, the main problem is deforestation, which, in turn, poses a threat to the existence of various species of insects and animals (Häberli, 2019). The situation is worsened by the neglect of prohibitions on to use of water for specific periods of time, which means the violation of legal regulations. It leads to uneven distribution of resources, and local citizens do not have access to them for growing crops. Therefore, they examined issues of both environmental and societal nature.
Hansen, O. (2017). Deforestation is caused by illegal avocado farming. The University of Miami Inter-American Law Review, 49(1), 89-128.
The article examines deforestation resulting from the increase in avocado production. The scholar states that the situation in Mexico in this regard seems more critical than in other countries (Hansen, 2017). Moreover, the mentioned practices are illegal since they violate the General Act for Sustainable Forestry Development. As a result, they adversely affect local ecosystems and, therefore, should be modified with regard to different types of resources involved in the process, as per Payment for Ecosystem Services. For this, the experience of Costa Rica, the United States, Uganda, and other markets should be used as guidance.
Sommaruga, R., & Eldridge, H. M. (2020). Avocado production: Water footprint and socio‐economic implications. EuroChoices.
The article narrates about negative consequences of avocado production for sustainability. According to it, they are connected to the trend for a healthy lifestyle and the preference for corresponding food alternatives (Sommaruga & Eldridge, 2020). In terms of the environment, it leads to over-exploitation of water resources, which are insufficient for commercial purposes. In turn, the growth of farms results in deforestation and inevitable harm to soil fertility. In the end, workers’ conditions in these organizations are better than in others, which also evokes concerns of the population and requires changes at the legislative level.
References
Camacho, A. F. G. (2020). Community empowerment and sustainability of the common forest of Cheran, Mexico [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Michigan State University.
Cho, K., Goldstein, B., Gounaridis, D., & Newell, J. P. (2021). Where does your guacamole come from? Detecting deforestation associated with the exports of avocados from Mexico to the United States. Journal of Environmental Management, 278, 111482. Web.
De la Vega Rivera, A. (2017). Cultivation of organic avocado in Michoacan, Mexico: A production model of communal territories. The Netherlands XVI Biennial IASC-Conference. Web.
Häberli, C. (2019). Please make avocados sustainable again! International Affairs Forum, 44-47. Web.
Hansen, O. (2017). Deforestation caused by illegal avocado farming. The University of Miami Inter-American Law Review, 49(1), 89-128. Web.
Sommaruga, R., & Eldridge, H. M. (2020). Avocado production: Water footprint and socio‐economic implications. EuroChoices. Web.