In recent days, various protests and demonstrations have been held by civil society and organizations, especially those concerned about environmental protection, following the publication of a Presidential Decree in the Official Gazette of the Federation on April 10th.
The official document authorizes the reclassification of the town of Loreto in Baja California Sur, transforming it into a coastal and deep-sea port. Residents of this community denounce the lack of dialogue and public consultation prior to the decision.
In recent days, protests have taken place in Loreto, including the collection of signatures against the official publication.
For this reason, various activities and demonstrations are being held demanding its repeal. These protests have included the collection of signatures against the official publication.
Taking advantage of digital platforms, residents of Baja California Sur launched an online petition in which they state that the community of Loreto is raising its voice, demanding the immediate revocation of the decree that considers reclassifying Loreto.
They explain that it is a Protected Natural Area in the category of National Park and is being converted into a coastal and deep-sea port. This decision allows the entry of international maritime traffic and large vessels into one of the most ecologically sensitive and valuable territories in Mexico and the world.
They detail that there is insufficient clarity regarding the technical basis, environmental justification, or the potential effects on both the coastal and marine ecosystems. They point out that the Decree constitutes a modification with a high environmental impact, as it allows the use of the territory for maritime activities within a Protected Natural Area.
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 14, 2005, the Loreto Bay National Park is recognized for its exceptional ecological value. This recent authorization could represent a violation of the environmental legal framework and the management plan for the Protected Natural Area.
They highlight the significant concern regarding the serious risk that prioritizing economic and development criteria over the protection of natural heritage and the public interest may represent. Furthermore, in order to receive the designation of Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), Loreto had to meet various requirements to certify its richness.
This area is home to at least 13 species of cetaceans, a wide variety of dolphins, a significant number of endangered or threatened marine mammals, as well as rays, pinnipeds, sharks, birds, and other diverse species of fauna and flora. This decree would open the possibility of allowing new environmental impacts without prior assessment.
Source: meteored
