Anaya Díaz Ibáñez

The January 2023 arrival of Héctor A Garza at Anaya Díaz Ibáñez (after some seven years at Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C.), along with senior associate Jose Enrique Cruz -an administrative and constitutional litigation specialist- has allowed the firm to add an environment, indigenous peoples, and urbanistic law practice to its already diverse offering. The seven strong team offers an integrated environmental and social impact practice, notably differentiated by its know-how in indigenous peoples’ law – indeed, the team recently handled Mexico’s first-ever first Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA), handling both social (concerning indigenous communities) and environmental aspects. It is also experienced in climate change matters, particularly in relation to energy (notably renewables), projects and real estate. In another ‘first’, the practice is also involved in the design and development of a major blue-carbon project in Mexico to date, which seeks to restore mangroves in the State of Yucatán. Current chairman of the Environmental Commission of Mexico’s International Chamber of Commerce, and in addition to his niche expertise in law regarding indigenous peoples, Garza’s practice covers the development and financing of projects, including proceedings before federal, state and municipal authorities; environmental impact assessments and audits; free, prior and informed consultation (FPIC), matters pertaining to the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards; health law, climate change, soil contamination and remediation, the circular economy and agrarian legislation. Currently involved in a novel case of cultural appropriation, he also advises on the design and implementation of culturally relevant social investment and management plans. Other recent mandates include advising GTM and Croda on their Mexican ventures – involving the negotiation of real estate agreements, design and submission of environmental impact and prefeasibility assessment studies, and general regulatory advice, among other issues.