Abstract

GALLARDO TAPIA, María Fernanda  and  CORTEZ LARA, Alfonso Andrés. Failed Water Governance Processes in the Mexicali Region. The Socio-environmental Conflict over the Constellation Brands Beer Plant. Norteamérica [online]. 2022, vol.17, n.1, 00011.  Epub Nov 22, 2022. ISSN 2448-7228.  https://doi.org/10.22201/cisan.24487228e.2022.1.557.

This article deals with water management in Mexicali linked to the surface sources of the Colorado River and the underground Mexicali Valley aquifer, both of which span the border. The authors examine the environmental and social implications that government decisions about the Constellation Brands beer mega-project will have in a semi-arid area threatened by climate change. Using a water governance framework and a qualitative research approach, they conclude that the mega-project promotion was implemented failing to include local social actors. They also conclude that its operation would have negative effects on the available water sources.

Keywords : water governance; Mexican portion of the lower Colorado River; Mexicali Valley aquifer; socio-environmental conflicts; Constellation Brands beer plant.