Seems that this is an everyday thing now.
In La Paz, a proposed project by Promotora El Salate aims to invest 9.7 million pesos ($500,000 USD) in developing a floating dock, wooden walkway, and operations platform spanning 12,650 square meters adjacent to the Almar Residences. This site has a rich history from the Gran Baja Hotel era to its current use by local fishermen and residents for recreation.
Filed on November 25, 2024, the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) for the Almar Dock marks a pivotal moment for El Manglito, a historic neighborhood. Marisol Aranda, president of the El Manglito Neighborhood Association, voices concerns about the clash between tourism and local public space conservation.
The project’s location in the biologically rich Ensenada de La Paz—a Ramsar site recognized for its global environmental importance—intensifies opposition. Over 20,000 shorebirds annually rely on this area, now threatened by potential pollution and habitat disruption from the proposed dock.
Moreover, there’s community unrest over potential beach privatization, fearing restricted public access. Memories of past privatizations under former officials fuel these concerns, as they’re seen as precedents for current actions.
Despite promises of minimal ecological impact through sustainable practices, residents and environmental groups remain wary. They fear the irreversible alteration of community and environmental landscapes, citing the project as a move towards gentrification, displacing local populations.
Legal aspects are managed by Roberto Cueto Strimpopulos with backing from Banco INVEX, ensuring the project’s progression despite public dissent. The looming decision by Semarnat will determine if the project adheres to environmental laws, potentially granting a 25-year concession to reshape El Manglito’s urban and social fabric. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
