The water crisis of Lake Pátzcuaro in light of the Inter-American standards

Abstract

This article analyzes the biocultural crisis resulting from the progressive desiccation of Lake Pátzcuaro —Japunda— in light of the standards of the Inter-American Human Rights System. The primary objective is to examine the compatibility of the Mexican State's response with international obligations regarding a healthy environment and cultural integrity. Employing a qualitative and dogmatic approach, cutting-edge Inter-American standards are contrasted with empirical data obtained through public information access mechanisms (Conagua and Inpi records). The findings reveal a significant gap in environmental due diligence and an institutional asymmetry characterized by the omission of cultural appropriateness in water management, which constitutes an ontological incompatibility with the P'urhépecha people's worldview. It concludes that administrative inaction and the lack of effective oversight represent an inobservance of the criteria established in the Inter-American Court's jurisprudence, highlighting the imperative need to transition towards biocultural justice frameworks that guarantee the material and spiritual survival of lacustrine communities.