4 propositions for the 2013–2018 Mexican National Development Plan (PND)

The transport sector is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Mexico and has witnessed the highest growth rate over the past 10 years. Today over 77% of the Mexican population lives in urban areas that are experiencing growth rates in fossil fuel consumption and in private car ownership.

As Mexico is undergoing the preparation of its National Development Plan (Plan Nacional de Desarrollo, or “PND”) the first framing document for policy at the Federal Level for the news government - set to be released in June - EMBARQ Mexico has issued a set of proposals to inform the 2013–2018 plan, as part of the Group on Financing for Climate Change (Grupo de Financiamiento para Cambio Climatico México).

The Group on Financing for Climate Change recommends that issues of mobility and urban development be given priority as comprehensive policies in all of the PND thematic axes, in order to achieve the goal of "promoting economic growth and competitiveness," as President Enrique Peña Nieto expressed it in his December 1, 2012 address to the Mexican nation. The Group is in alignment with the Interministerial Commission on Climate Change in considering transport as a key area of opportunities for climate change mitigation strategies.

EMBARQ Mexico recommends the PND harmonize environmental, housing, urban development, transport, and climate change policies according to the Avoid-Shift-Improve framework:

• Avoid travel, or avoid travel by motorized modes;
• Shift to more environmentally friendly modes;
• Improve the energy efficiency of transport modes and vehicle technology.

EMBARQ Mexico, as part of the Group on Financing for Climate Change is making the following recommendations:

1. Consider urban development and sustainable mobility as comprehensive policies across all thematic axes of the National Development Plan;
2. Create mechanisms to improve the management and coordination between the three levels of government (Federal, state and municipal) in the management of public policies in urban development, housing, passenger and freight transport, urban and interurban, by creating and developing institutional capacity;
3. Set national policies for dense urban development and housing, with compact and mixed land-use to avoid urban sprawl; transition to a sustainable development model; boost housing developments close to retail facilities and less dependent on the car; and stimulate the cycle of urban housing stock (renovation, purchase, rental);
4. Improve the quality and effectiveness of public transport by promoting the financing and implementation of infrastructure for integrated urban transport systems – including mechanisms for demand management and intermodal routes that encourage non-motorized means of transport. Such measures lead to more efficient urban transport, less mileage traveled in private vehicles, and reductions in emissions.

For more information please contact Lorena Baca at EMBARQ México.

Download the PDF for Propuestas Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2013-2018.