Social mobilization and citizen participation in the defense of the Santa Catarina River in Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Abstract

In recent years, the management of water resources has triggered greater political involvement of various actors seeking to democratize government decisions. This article aims to describe the factors and mechanisms of mobilization and citizen participation promoted by the socio-environmental movement #UnRíoEnElRío from July to December 2023, around the deforestation of the Santa Catarina River, in Nuevo León, Mexico. The Theory of the Political Process and the concept of Citizen Participation were used, and methodologically, a bibliographic review, a case study, a group interview and participant observation were developed to saturate the variables with information according to this theory and concept, as well as the Ladder of Participation and the Escazú Agreement. The results show that citizen mobilization and participation began from an environmental threat, derived from ecological damage to the river, while political opportunities existed especially due to the conflict between the elites of the state government. The main spaces for citizen participation were both informal ―the protest, the change.org petition, digital activism and the “Río Fest” festival― as formal mechanisms ―the request for a public hearing, the petition request and amparo appeal (which were the ones with the highest level of participation)―. The case exposes how the democratization and governance of water resources can be promoted from civil society, and that it is essential that government authorities promote proactive participatory processes to achieve legitimate, effective and sustainable public policies.