Sand and gravel extraction threatens the Río Grande in OaxacaCEFR B1
1 Nov 2025
Adapted from Latin America Bureau, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Marcus Dall Col, Unsplash
Large-scale sand and gravel extraction is affecting the Río Grande in the Cuicatec region of Oaxaca. Near San Pedro Chicozapotes the river can be about 300 metres wide and a fallen amate tree of at least 25 metres high shows a place now used by industrial machinery. A local resident using the pseudonym Don Ismael said extraction made many parts unsafe and that the river is more polluted and deforested than 10 years ago. Community agricultural authorities reported uncontrolled extraction in 2019.
Locals link the operations to the Concha Ojeda family. Extraction intensified after 2015 when the family expanded the business. Investigations led to Elpidio Desiderio Concha Arellano, a businessman and former federal deputy for the PRI from 2009 to 2012, and to his daughter Lizbeth Anaid Concha Ojeda, a local deputy in the Oaxaca Legislature. Residents say the family used influence to manage permits; river exploitation permits for the son expire in 2029.
Organisers held the first Forum for the Defence and Conservation of the Río Grande on 5 April 2025. They plan to form a defence front, visit villages along the river and raise awareness about extraction and pollution. Lawyer Liudmila Oropeza Fuentes said those exploiting the river have influence in state and federal institutions and many residents fear reprisals.
Difficult words
- ecosystem — A community of living things and their environment.ecosystems
- extraction — The process of removing resources from a place.
- biodiversity — The variety of different living things in an area.
- community — A group of people living in the same area.communities
- pollution — Harmful substances in the environment.
- organizing — Arranging or planning activities as a group.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can communities better protect their resources?
- What impacts does pollution have on local life?
- Why is it important to raise awareness about environmental issues?
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