One of these critical topics is Social Impact Assessments (EVIS), studies that have become key tools internationally to ensure that energy projects are not only profitable, but also respect and benefit local communities.
During the last decades, EVIS have been gaining relevance in the planning and execution of energy projects. However, they have not always been implemented with the necessary depth and rigor. In many cases, consultants with little experience (or scruples) have used this valuable tool as a mere window procedure, defrauding developers and communities, who have seen how the promises of shared social development have not materialized in practice.
On the other side of the scale is the Ministry of Energy, whose Social Impact Directorate has faced multiple challenges, such as a lack of personnel and resources, unclear legislation that does not establish monitoring and sanction mechanisms for compliance with the agreements with the communities and enormous queues of unresolved requests that have had to wait up to six years to receive attention.
In this context, it is important to note that during AMLO’s administration many consulting firms had to disappear due to the enormous drought of new projects, leaving developers and communities orphaned.
However, despite all these adversities, the EVIS are here to stay: even more so if we consider the actions undertaken by Sheinbaum at the head of the Mexico City government, such as the creation of the Neighborhood Consultation Process, which demonstrated a strong commitment to the social policies.
This could be interpreted as a sign that, during Sheinbaum’s presidency, EVIS could take on a greater role. Their position in favor of the energy transition and respect for community rights suggests that Social Impact Assessments will play a strategic role in the approval and supervision of eagerly awaited energy projects.
Furthermore, in the international context, financial organizations are pressuring Mexico to adopt higher sustainability standards. Most banking organizations demand more detailed and committed evaluations of social and environmental impacts every day.
