Mexico City, March 25, 2022 – Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Monica Medina visited Mexico City March 23-25 to further dialogue about protecting marine ecosystems under threat from plastic pollution and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
During her visit, she met many leaders, including Maria Luisa Albores (SEMARNAT), Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), and the Federal Attorney for Protection of the Environmental. They also met with the National Commission of Protected Natural Reserves and (CONANP) to discuss marine conservation and the protection of fragile eco-systems and endangered species. She praised Mexico’s submission of Revillagigedo National Park for inclusion in the Eastern Tropical Marine Corridor network of marine protected area and its acceptance by CMAR Secretariat.
Assistant Secretary Medina spoke with Admiral Jose Rafael Ojeda (SEMAR), Secretary of the Navy) and leaders of the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA), and of the National Fisheries Institute(INAPESCA), about IUU fishing. This threatens the livelihoods and food security of coastal communities and creates market distortions which disadvantage law-abiding fishers. She stated that the United States is willing to work with Mexico in addressing IUU fishing.
Assistant Secretary Medina met Martha Delgado (Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights). Assistant Secretary Medina met with Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights Martha Delgado to discuss how to advance the agenda on shared critical values between the United States of America and Mexico, including conserving the planet and nature and responsible leadership in regional and global issues such as the climate crisis.
Assistant Secretary Medina also met Salvador Landeros, Director General of Mexico’s Space Agency (AEM), to discuss strengthening and deepening the United States’ space cooperation with Mexico. Mexico signed the Artemis Accords with other countries in 2021. They committed to responsible, sustainable, and peaceful space exploration.
Assistant Secretary Medina pointed out that there are more opportunities for women working in STEM fields to help advance science in Mexico and the United States. Through bilateral education and science and tech programs and engagements, the United States supports STEM equity in Mexico.
