Challenges in operating sustainability initiatives in Northwest Mexico

This paper is aimed at describing the evolutive strategy that the University of Sonora is following to promote regional sustainable development initiatives in Northwest Mexico as well as debating the challenges in implementing it effectively. The institutional partnership and outreach efforts with local industries, community groups, governmental agencies, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations comprise the provision of technical assistance, advising services, performance of demonstration projects and capacity building. There are both significant challenges and opportunities for industry facing the dilemma of compliance with environmental and occupational pressures. These challenges have serious practical and theoretical implications not only for conducting sustainability research studies but also for implementing cleaner production and pollution prevention interventions. Slowly but surely, regional sustainability leaders have increased their capacity to better respond to awkward sustainability situations; capacity building has been a central task in ensuring the use of the resources and in ensuring an adequate performance. As outlined in this paper, adequate conditions for the successful implementation of regional sustainability initiatives are not present. Low levels of awareness, lack of external drives, data uncertainty and lack of capacity have emerged as main barriers preventing success. Additional challenges to sustainability progress include lack of time, lack of interest, lack of funding and lack of training. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.