A 35-meter-long wall made of stone and cement was demolished by authorities. This construction blocked access to one of the most popular areas of Sayulita, in the state of Nayarit.
Residents of the area reported at the time that the project had been built without the proper permit. It also generated anger and indignation among tourists and local residents because it encroached on an area designated as federal land near the sea.
The construction blocked free access to Los Muertos Beach. Tearing down the wall was considered a social achievement after the corresponding complaints were filed with environmental authorities and the public was constantly disseminated.
Social pressure was present for months until the municipal authorities of Bahía de Banderas, accompanied by citizens and representatives of the state and federal governments, took action. The pile was between 80 centimeters and one meter wide and approximately 1.5 meters high.
It was 60% complete.
According to the report from the Federal Environmental Protection authorities, it was almost complete when it was closed. Upon requesting the corresponding documentation, inspectors confirmed that the project lacked official authorization or the corresponding environmental impact assessment.
When interviewing the workers and those they encountered on-site, they explained that they were protecting a dirt road that apparently connected a local cemetery to the beach. Upon inspecting the site, the authorities rejected the justification and canceled work starting in March.
Environmental and Citizen Interest
From then on, environmental activists and neighbors exerted pressure. Demands were made for the permanent demolition of the structure; almost three months after the initial closure, this was finally achieved. While the cleanup work was underway, authorities stated that private interests would not be allowed to block access to public spaces.
The recently enacted law seeks to guarantee free access to anyone seeking to enjoy Mexico’s beaches and coastlines.
“The sea has no owner, and as long as this government remains in charge, neither walls nor fences will take away what belongs to the people,” said those responsible in the government.
A landmark case for defending Mexican beaches
The moment the wall was finally demolished brought together several people, including those who had filed the complaints. Representatives from the Ministry of the Environment and the Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection were also present, as well as state and municipal representatives.
For the Sayulita community, the opportunity for the authorities to address their demands represented a civic victory and a precedent for similar cases that may arise in the future in the region. It also serves as a record for other similar cases that may be occurring at this time in other parts of the country.
A must-visit destination in Mexico
Sayulita, Nayarit, is one of the favorite destinations for both the residents of that state and tourists from much of Mexico and abroad. However, residents of the area explain that the area faces increasing tensions between tourism development and public preservation of its beaches.
The demolition and final beach restoration work was carried out under the supervision of the mayor of Bahía de Banderas. He explained that the space would be transformed into a public viewing platform that could be enjoyed by both visitors and local residents.
Halting Private Appropriation of the Coastline
The restoration project explained that it also includes the creation of a boardwalk-style walkway with benches, vegetation, and a viewing platform overlooking the sea; the exact date for the start of the work has not been set. According to authorities, the intervention was supported by reforms to the General Law of National Assets.
This law guarantees free access to the country’s coastal areas, prohibiting any attempt to condition, inhibit, or prohibit free transit to the federal maritime land zone. This law also seeks to curb the private appropriation of the coastline and guarantee the right of all people to enjoy the beach and coastal environment.
Severe Penalties Under the Country’s Law
This law also requires neighboring property owners to guarantee access to anyone seeking access to the beach. To do so, they must create a road or highway with the approval of federal environmental authorities and provide the corresponding compensation.
The law also establishes penalties ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 times the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA) for those who deny access. In the event of a repeat offense, the Ministry of the Environment explains that the concession, authorization, or permit previously granted may be revoked.
Source: meteored
