SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN BIOFUEL PROJECTS IN SOUTHEASTERN MEXICO

Abstract

Biofuels have been in dispute during recent years because of their negative externalities. Crops such as Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) and palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) have been promoted in southeastern Mexico, without taking into consideration their social impact; therefore, the social impact of palm oil and Jatropha projects was evaluated in producing regions of Veracruz, Tabasco and Chiapas, Mexico. Semi-structured interviews were applied, directed at producers and key informants, finding that Jatropha projects have been implemented without much scientific backing, prior feasibility studies or social impact assessments. Also, that the use of palm oil for biodiesel should be revalued, since its primary destination up to date is the food industry. The conclusion is that there is a need to carry out studies of social impact assessment prior to establishing any biofuel project.