The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve is once again at the center of public debate after the presentation of a study on land tenure that revealed the existence of private and state properties in the core area of the reserve, as well as possible irregularities.
The report was presented by forestry engineer and environmental law professor Jesús Eleazar Quiñónez Gómez, former director of the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, during a meeting convened by the organization Agua Vale Más que Oro (Water Is Worth More Than Gold).
The meeting was attended by members of civil society and representatives of the state government.
The objective was to publicize the status of the properties within the reserve and subsequently open a process of information and legal review, following the revelation of interests in exploiting the area and overflights due to an alleged change of ownership.
Findings of the Land Tenure Study
Quiñónez explained that the study was the result of an exhaustive investigation conducted during his federal administration and is part of the reserve’s official files.
The document identifies both private and state properties within the forest area, highlighting a property called “Nuestra Señora del Rosario,” which encompasses a large part of the mountain forests.
Likewise, the existence of a presumed state property received as a donation was noted, although the legal implications are pending review due to ownership irregularities.
In this context, it was recalled that, according to the Agrarian Law, a private individual cannot own more than 800 hectares of forest land.
Risks and Concerns
The president of Agua Vale Más que Oro, Ariel Ruiz Castillo, warned that there are currently groups and individuals claiming to own land in the reserve and seeking to negotiate with private interest groups.
This, he said, represents a warning about the impact it could have on the conservation of the Sierra, the main source of water and oxygen for the southern part of the state.
It was emphasized that any attempted transaction that contradicts the reserve’s management plan would put the forest, water, and environmental services of the Sierra at risk.
Actions to be Taken
As a result of the meeting, the participants agreed to prepare files with the information presented and request hearings with the Baja California Sur government, the Mexican government, and the municipalities of La Paz and Los Cabos.
Representatives of the state government, through their departments of real estate and environment, expressed their willingness to follow up and bring the issue to a higher level of decision-making.
Agua Vale Más que Oro (Water Is Worth More Than Gold) called on citizens to remain informed and vigilant about the situation.
Ariel Ruiz did not rule out the possibility of a social mobilization, if necessary, to demand compliance with the Sierra La Laguna conservation decree and protect its resources for present and future generations.
Source: oem
