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How The Proposed Border Wall May Affect World Heritage Site In Mexico

Published: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 3:00pm
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(Photo courtesy of National Park Service)
Sonoran pronghorn.

The debate over building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border has largely centered around immigration policy, migrants rights and finding the funding to build it.

But, what about the Sonoran Pronghorn? It’s an antelope that’s actually the one of the fastest land mammals on Earth, and it’s endangered.

These animals live in the Sonoran Desert, and they’re one of the reasons that the El Pinacate region just south of the Arizona border in northern Mexico was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

But now, that site is in danger, according to Sarah Uhlemann, international program director with the Center for Biological Diversity, because of President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall.

This week, the Center for Biological Diversity, as well as representatives of the Tohono O’odham of Sonora, filed a petition asking for “in danger” status for the El Pinacate site.

That means if the site ends up on that list, the United States would have to work with the World Heritage Committee to agree to some corrective actions. And those could be allowing passable areas for wildlife in some areas or, a recommendation from the United Nations to not build the wall,  Uhlemann aid.

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