### Organizations in Baja California Sur Oppose Saguaro Project
More than 30 civil organizations in Baja California Sur and across Mexico have united against the proposed “Saguaro” project, which aims to transport gas from the United States to Sonora and then across the Gulf of California to Asian markets. Activists and specialists contend that if the company receives operational permits, the environmental impact on the marine life in the “Aquarium of the World” would be severe.
During a press conference, representatives of the associations highlighted their primary concern: the incompatibility between this large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project and the whales inhabiting the Gulf of California. The activists emphasized the danger posed by the movement of LNG carriers through the maritime passage, noting that collisions between these vessels and whales are a leading cause of cetacean deaths.
Vanessa Prigollini, educational director of Mar y Educación Ambiental (MAREA), noted that the Gulf of California is a breeding, resting, and mating area for species like the humpback whale. The transportation of LNG in this region would significantly heighten the risk of whale-vessel collisions, in addition to noise pollution affecting marine life.
Carlos Mancilla, director of the association BCSicletos, underlined that the livelihoods of thousands of families in La Paz depend on a healthy, unpolluted ocean. “This project, like others, jeopardizes the current and future livelihoods of the population rather than delivering on its promises of development,” he stated.
#### Project Details
In an interview with Claudia Campero, coordinator of Climate Connections, it was revealed that there are proposals for LNG plants in the Mexican Pacific, driven by U.S. companies extracting gas in Texas. She pointed out that Mexico imports about 90% of its gas, a trend seen over the past 15 years. Activists urge the federal government to deny permits for the Saguaro project.
The Saguaro project involves extracting gas in the U.S., transporting it via an 800-kilometer pipeline from Texas to Sonora, Mexico, and then liquefying it for transport to Asia. Campero expressed concerns about methane gas and its conversion to liquid form, requiring extreme cooling. The transportation in large vessels and the potential regasification at ports pose additional risks.
Organizations opposing the project include Mexican Alliance Against Fracking, Collective of Sudcalifornian Academics, Greenpeace Mexico, among others. Their stance is that the Gulf of California is a critical habitat for numerous species and essential for the survival of many Mexican families.
#### Governor’s Response
Governor VÃctor Castro CosÃo stated that his administration would scrutinize the project’s specifications and remain vigilant to ensure that no development harmful to the environment or local water is allowed. He emphasized that while the legitimacy of landowners is acknowledged, such projects must not endanger future generations.
### Secondary Article: Environmental and Economic Concerns Surrounding the Saguaro Project Expand
As the Saguaro project continues to attract opposition, additional environmental and economic concerns have surfaced. Experts argue that introducing LNG carriers to the Gulf of California, an area not yet congested with heavy marine traffic, would transform it into an industrial zone, endangering local biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems.
The Gulf’s importance as a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to 900 fish species, 90% of which are endemic, is another point of contention. The region’s fish production accounts for about half of Mexico’s total catch, making it crucial for national food security and economic sustainability.
Furthermore, methane gas leaks could pose severe health risks to communities near the transportation infrastructure. Methane, when leaked, acts as an ozone precursor at ground level, which is hazardous to human health. Thus, ensuring the safety and environmental integrity of the region is paramount.
The organizations involved urge the Mexican and U.S. administrations to reconsider the project’s future and advocate for a transition to renewable energies that would respect the human rights and environmental needs of affected communities. The call for public support remains strong, with citizens encouraged to sign petitions aimed at halting the project’s progress.
For more information and to sign the petition, visit: [Petition Link](https://secure.avaaz.org/ballenasogas).
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This rewrite presents a comprehensive overview of the Saguaro project’s opposition, focusing on environmental and economic risks, while omitting any specific news site references. It incorporates relevant details and supports the narrative with updated information.