The relocation and dislocation of Peppermint. Among the volcanic risk and political vulnerability

Abstract

In 1999, the Scientific Committee on the Colima Volcano recommended the relocation of La Yerbabuena, the nearest community to the volcano’s crater. This decision caused several economic and social problems to its inhabitants. Those who oppose the relocation are still being harassed by government authorities and they suspect their lands will be sold to “Hacienda San Antonio†and “El Jabalíâ€, two private agro industrial and tourism businesses. The Scientific Committee’s text doesn’t address the potential damages the peasants would suffer if a volcanic eruption occurred, and one can’t be but surprised with the government’s haste to protect them and the supposed immunity that private businesses enjoy against volcanic activity.