Tension and social opposition have emerged in the region due to a project that has generated uncertainty over apparent intentions for real estate development, despite its original stated purpose of environmental preservation and restoration.
The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve in Baja California Sur is facing growing social concern and tensions due to a project promoted by the “Hermandad en Armonía” foundation, amid suspicions about possible intentions that could cause environmental damage.
It is believed that what was originally presented as environmental restoration and preservation activities could actually be promoting plans for real estate developments that could potentially cause environmental damage to this Protected Natural Area.
On September 1, federal authorities held a meeting to discuss the project of the aforementioned organization. During the meeting, citizens expressed concern and presented a series of arguments in which, in their view, various irregularities were evident.
Meanwhile, members of the organization defended their project, called “integral restoration of facilities for the preservation and monitoring of the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve.” Representatives of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas were present as mediators.
No Environmental Forecast or Alternative Assessment
During the aforementioned meeting between authorities, environmental advocacy groups, and members of the general public, the use of artificial intelligence tools to prepare a document was questioned, as it contained some contradictions regarding the use, among other resources, of helicopters to transport materials into the area.
Several civil organizations and groups concerned about environmental protection have denounced that some of the actions carried out conceal interests aimed at opening the door to tourism and real estate developments that could put ecosystems and the water supply for the cities of Los Cabos and La Paz at risk.
Concern Over the Risk of Cabin Construction
A group of citizens expressed concern that cabins or some type of development could potentially be built within the protected area and asked authorities at all three levels of government to clarify the type of activities that are intended to be developed.
It has also been alleged that some groups purchased land in the area, intending to build a laboratory for the apparent reproduction of endemic species that are not actually endemic, such as the bighorn sheep. Society has expressed significant concern because it is unknown whether the necessary documentary support is available.
Brief Responses
For his part, the representative of the northwest office of the Mexican Center for Environmental Defense stated that some questions had been asked of representatives of the foundation, but the responses received had been limited and brief, preventing adequate interaction.
He also explained that there is no clarity regarding the places and areas where the activities are intended to be carried out: “the project is trying to fulfill functions of the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas, and it is not clear what relationship it has with them.”
Decision Between Private Parties
In a recent statement, the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas, through the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, clarified that the change in ownership is an exclusive decision between private parties concerning the Nuestra Señora del Rosario property, located in the public-use subzone.
It also stated that the conservation core zone is not compromised. In this regard, preservation of the area remains protected in accordance with its creation decree issued in 1994, as well as its Management Program, which is currently in force and was published in 2003.
Source: meteored
