|
As development increases
exponentially in coastal Sonora,
conflict over natural resources becomes more and more common. CEDO seeks an
open dialogue with all stakeholders on a given issue, aiming to broker
solutions which work for our environment and our economy. Legal action is taken
only when reasonable efforts to engage stakeholders have failed. We promote a
culture in which all players respect environmental legislation.
Strategies we use to enforce
environmental law:
- Citizen complaints for
environmental wrongdoing (submitted to PROFEPA, the governmental organization
charged with environmental enforcement).
- Review of environmental
impact statements.
- Identification of projects
which impact essential coastal ecosystems.
- Requests for public hearings
on projects with high levels of environmental impact.
- Comments and recommendations
for modification or withdrawal of development projects (submitted to SEMARNAT,
the Secretariat of Natural Resources).
- Revision requirements to
SEMARNAT when there is evidence that the authorization is against the law.
- Court ordered injunctions
when SEMARNAT makes illegal decisions.
- Dialogue with the National
Congress.
- In all of the actions that
we take we aim to maintain the ecologic functions of essential habitats and to
promote sustainable development.
Resources:
- Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al Ambiente (PDF)
*(Environmental Protection
and Ecological Equilibrium Act, similar to the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) in the U.S.)
- Ley General de Vida
Silvestre
*(Wildlife Act)
Current Cases:
Sandy Beach Resorts: Marina Project
This project proposes the
construction of condominiums and a 450 slip marina. It would alter two habitats of great ecologic
and economic importance: a coastal wetland, Estero La Cholla, and the rocky
reef in front of Sandy Beach.
This project would impact:
- A Marine Biosphere Reserve: The Upper Gulf of California and Colorado
River Delta.
- 15 protected species,
including green sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks and scallop.
- 18 species of commercial
importance, including shrimp, blue crab and octopus.
- Patterns of sedimentation on
Sandy Beach.
- Currents in Cholla Bay
and Sandy Beach.
- Health of adjacent waters,
through the contamination associated with boats.
- The sport fishery, through
increased fishing pressure.
Results:
- Temporarily avoid the
authorization to destroy Estero La Cholla for the construction of a residential
marina.
- Include the Good Practices
for Marinas Manual as a condition for authorization.
- Organize fishermen in
defense of their fishery.
There is more information
about this project in our press releases, read their MIA and CEDO's comments.
Collaborators
Many organizations and
individuals support sustainable use of natural resources, and oppose the
project:
- Puerto Peñasco
Divers Cooperative, winners of the National Conservation Prize in 2003, for their model
management plan for the scallop and murex fisheries
- The federation of small-scale fishermen of Puerto Peñasco
- Residents of Puerto Peñasco y La Cholla
- Many researchers who work in
the Gulf of California
- Environmental Organizations,
including CEDO, CEMDA, DAN, and ALCOSTA.
This project proposes 5
towers of twenty stories each in the mouth of Estero Morúa.
This project would cause:
-
The destruction of a nesting colony of Least Tern, a federally protected species.
-
An increase in sedimentation
inside the estero, during the construction phase.
-
Permanent alteration of the
landscape.
-
Increase in fresh water
consumption.
-
Cumulative impacts on
migratory and resident bird habitat due to the height of the buildings.
Results:
- SEMARNAT forced developers
to create a management plan for the Least Tern. Given that the construction
will occur on top of the colony, this is an unsatisfactory solution.
There is more information
about this project in our press releases.
Collaborators
Many organizations and
individuals support habitat protection, and oppose the project:
- You can join us
by signing our petition online.
- Residents of the surrounding
beaches and communities.
- Some groups of oysterfarmers
who work inside the estuary.
- Researchers who work in the Gulf of California.
- Environmental organizations,
including CEDO, CEMDA, DAN and ALCOSTA
How can I support Essential Coastal Ecosystem
Conservation?
- Donate to the Peñasco Estero
Conservation Fund.
- Read and distribute our press releases.
- Do not purchase goods or
services offered by these and other irresponsible
projects.
- Become a member of CEDO and support our actions.
|
