**New Development Threatens Cabo Pulmo’s Biodiversity**
A new mega-development, “Baja Bay Club,” has been granted environmental approval, raising significant concerns among environmental groups working to protect Cabo Pulmo National Park’s rich biodiversity. Following the contentious approval of the “La Abundancia” tourism complex, civil society organizations have now turned their focus to “Baja Bay Club,” a project nearly ten times larger, set to span over 600 hectares just 1.5 kilometers from the protected area.
The development plan includes constructing 422 villas, 275 hotel rooms, a beach club, marina facilities, and a golf course. Despite opposition from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), advocating for the preservation of Cabo Pulmo’s biodiversity, the project received the green light from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) in August 2024. Intriguingly, approvals were revealed in October after a new administration took office.
Environmental organization Greenpeace has voiced concerns, noting the project replicates the controversial “Cabo Cortés” initiative of 2009, which faced intense backlash and was ultimately canceled in 2012 due to its environmental impact on the region.
Cabo Pulmo residents and allies, including Greenpeace and the Cabo Pulmo Vivo Coalition, have called for the revocation of “Baja Bay Club” approvals, arguing the project’s potential to escalate local population and exacerbate existing challenges like water scarcity. Greenpeace warns that by 2040, the area’s population could surge by 46%, putting unsustainable pressure on water resources.
Alicia Bárcena, head of Semarnat, has indicated a review and potential revocation of permits for both “La Abundancia” and “Baja Bay Club” are underway. Additionally, Raúl Rodríguez Quintana, Semarnat’s representative in Baja California Sur, resigned amid allegations of granting “irregular” permissions.
Civil society insists on the government’s role in safeguarding biodiversity amidst climate change concerns. They urge heightened scrutiny towards the approval processes that compromise the environment and local communities’ fundamental rights, such as access to water and sustainable livelihoods.
**Secondary Article: Ongoing Development Issues in Environmental Conservation**
Cabo Pulmo’s development situation reflects a broader pattern in Mexico, where economic interests often clash with environmental conservation efforts. The transition between governmental administrations tends to complicate matters, as new projects frequently emerge during these periods of bureaucratic change.
In addition to the challenges faced by Cabo Pulmo, other projects throughout Mexico have raised similar environmental justice concerns. For instance, the Maya Train project in the Yucatán Peninsula has been criticized for alleged environmental and cultural impacts.
Both local and international environmental groups continue to advocate for sustainable development practices that harmonize economic growth with environmental stewardship. The growing awareness and activism around these developments emphasize the need for comprehensive environmental assessments and transparent governmental processes to ensure that Mexico’s natural heritage remains intact for future generations.