Innovative Horizons: Weaving Social Justice and Sustainability in Totonacapan through the Lens of the 2030 Agenda

In a study presented at the VII Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Association for Human Development and the Capabilities Approach (ALCADECA) at the University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP), Medel-Ramírez and Medel-López (2019) delved into the challenges of multidimensional poverty and social marginalization experienced by indigenous communities. The primary argument presented was that empowering these communities in managing productive ventures can be a key strategy in tackling these socio-economic issues effectively. Moreover, a subsequent research paper by Medel-Ramírez and Medel-López (2020) discussed the notions of sustainability and justice within the Totonacapan region, factoring in its rich cultural heritage and profound connection with the environment. This work was unveiled at the 2020 HDCA conference themed "New Horizons: Sustainability and Justice" held in Auckland, New Zealand. The duo emphasized the need to view the matters concerning the Totonacapan region with a lens of introspection. The overarching objective of this segment is to discern the correlation between the principles laid out in the United Nations' Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development and the development blueprints at various governmental levels - national, state, and municipal. This endeavor also seeks to juxtapose the sustainable development approach of Totonacapan with these international guidelines. Additionally, it underscores the value and uniqueness of Totonacapan, advocating for an inclusive approach towards social justice and sustainability that honors its age-old customs, narrative, and heritage. This section commits to a holistic exploration of the prevailing conditions within the Totonacapan landscape. The focus is to scrutinize the strategies employed and gauge the role of human rights, ecological sustainability, and cultural conservation in steering the region's trajectory. This knowledge is paramount to fathom the depths of how the principles of Agenda 2030 have been instrumental in advancing equity and environmental sustainability in the region. The aspiration is to mold the discourse in line with a paradigm that harmonizes human rights, ecological balance, and cultural integrity in the broader context of Agenda 2030.