### Private Individuals Seizing Beaches in BCS
### By: Gilberto Santiesteban
Residents of Baja California Sur are expressing their outrage over a series of incidents where private individuals have taken control of beach access points, blocking or obstructing free passage in the Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone. This has ignited a fervor among locals who are calling for immediate government intervention to reopen these access points and penalize those responsible.
One notable incident occurred in La Ribera, a community in the Los Cabos municipality, where residents of Playa Punta Asunción found their only road to the coastline blocked by new neighbors. This act, considered by many as a land grab, has happened despite multiple complaints from affected residents.
A complaint was filed on June 29, naming Victoria Lynn and Kevin Harold as responsible for expanding their property and thereby eliminating the community’s access to the beach. Despite complaints to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa), there has been no significant action taken, leaving residents frustrated and deterred.
Moreover, an incident in La Paz saw the local community uniting against a business that took over Playa Pichilingue by placing gates and sunbeds, blocking public access. Public uproar on social media eventually led to the municipal authorities stepping in, but no penalties have been reported.
#### Legal and Environmental Implications
Sarahí Gómez Villada, a coordinator at the Northwest office of the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), emphasized that there is no legal basis for private beaches in Mexico. The law mandates that all coastal areas must be accessible to the public. Baja California Sur’s vast coastline makes this issue particularly challenging, especially amid a real estate and tourism boom.
Local environmental organizations have documented cases across several beaches where private entities have obstructed public access. Authorities need to establish more effective coordination to enforce the laws protecting public beach access.
#### Upholding Public Access Rights
Under current laws, if there are no public pathways, landowners adjacent to federal maritime zones must allow public passage. This ensures that everyone has access to these natural resources. Municipal and federal authorities need to work in unison to revoke concessions when terms are violated and ensure the correct and lawful use of coastal areas.
### Secondary Article: New Incidents and Continuing Struggles for Beach Access
As the controversy over beach access in Baja California Sur continues, additional incidents have sparked further attention. For instance, in the Todos Santos and Pescadero areas, similar problems have arisen with private entities attempting to block beach access. These situations underscore the need for consistent enforcement of regulations and public engagement to protect communal rights to natural resources.
Individuals and advocacy groups are increasingly using social media platforms to highlight these issues, which has prompted some government responses. However, long-term solutions require more proactive measures from all levels of government to preserve the public’s right to enjoy Mexico’s beautiful beaches.
#### Recent Developments
In a recent development, the municipality of La Paz announced that measures are being put in place to prevent future attempts by private parties to monopolize beach access points. Officials pledged greater vigilance and stricter enforcement of existing laws to safeguard public access to these valuable natural resources.
The overarching message is clear: Baja California Sur’s beaches are public treasures, and the community is determined to keep them accessible and free for all to enjoy.
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Additional updates and breaking news can be found on TJGringo.com, where we continue to cover developments in this vital community issue.