U.S. Border Fence Threatens Biological Diversity

The proposed anti-immigration fence between the United States and Mexico could prove disastrous for the region's wildlife and ecosystems, environmentalists warn.

1 minute read

October 5, 2006, 9:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley

"Environmental groups are concerned about a new plan to build a 700-mile long fence along the border with Mexico.

The official plan, as envisaged in a legislative bill on immigration reforms, is meant to stop the flow of undocumented workers from Mexico, but scientists say it will bring nothing but disaster for the biological diversity of the region.

The 2,000-mile long U.S.-Mexican border region is considered an extraordinary source of biological diversity because it is shaped by a variety of ecological forms, including deserts, mangrove forests, plains, mountains, river valleys, and wetlands.

The proposal seeks to construct a series of barriers separated by an access road for patrol vehicles on long stretches of the border in California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico."

FULL STORY: Border Fence Could Spell Environmental Disaster

Tuesday, October 3, 2006 in One World

Environment North America

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