Date: November 2023

Wind projects developed on Indigenous territories in the states of Oaxaca, Yucatán, and Puebla in Mexico have sparked disputes related to land tenure and corrupt practices. In Oaxaca these conflicts have seen reports of human rights abuses, including abductions and killings, linked to the licensing and establishment of wind farms. The advancement of wind energy has also resulted in the dispossession of community land, sacred locations, and cultural practices, often facilitated by private security firms.

Corruption has been a notable factor in the creation of wind farms in Oaxaca, Yucatán, and Puebla. There have been media reports of local politicians and officials seeking bribes in exchange for project greenlights and permits. This unethical practice has undermined the credibility of the approval process and obstructed the possibility of a fairer and more transparent transition towards renewable energy in the country.