Today at 5:00 pm, the serene sands of El Manglito beach in La Paz will witness a gathering of concerned citizens rallying against the proposed construction of a private dock by Almar Residential complex. This development, currently under construction next to the La Posada Hotel, has sparked fears of beach privatization among local residents, challenging the cherished public access to one of the area's most beloved beaches.
The controversy ignited when Almar Residential, developed by Fortem Capital—who also remodeled the Tropicana Hotel in San Jose and the La Perla hotel in La Paz—advertised a feature offering “Exclusivity. Your own private beach in Almar.” Although this advertisement has since been removed from their website, the community's unease remains. In Mexico, all beaches are national property, and by law, public access to them cannot be denied, making the proposed private dock a contentious issue.
The protest symbolizes a critical stance against what many see as an encroachment on public lands. The community's response highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain public access to natural resources, which are often threatened by private interests. As the situation unfolds, locals and activists urge vigilance and assert their right to preserve public access to their beaches. Stay tuned as the community voices its concerns in an effort to influence the future of El Manglito beach.