# Controversy Over Tourism Projects in La Ribera
While authorities from various levels of the government maintain that investments in tourism projects are purely beneficial for the economic development of Baja California Sur, the residents of coastal communities present a contrasting story. They claim that these projects lead to the appropriation of natural heritage, severely impacting locals who have enjoyed and depended on these lands for generations.
Residents of La Ribera have shared anecdotes highlighting the increasing challenges they face due to these developments. Despite their efforts to organize and combat what they term the “white-collar invasion,” there has been little to no governmental support.
One long-term resident, choosing to remain anonymous, explained, “We are witnessing this occupation of nearly the entire coastline by investors. Some properties are even personal homes, not necessarily tourism projects, but the effect is the same—they restrict our access.”
The misconception of private beaches is another significant issue. “There are no private beaches in Mexico, but both investors and users act otherwise, denying us access,” says another community member.
In La Ribera, historical access points to the coast have been blocked by new developments. “For 40 years, we could reach the coast from every street. But now, fenced areas obstruct those entries. They are replacing direct access routes with convoluted paths, making beach visits inconvenient,” locals lament.
A particular project purchased in 2007 during President Felipe Calderón’s administration exacerbated the issue by occupying crucial wetland areas, which legally should be national property and not for sale. Yet, it was developed, cutting off traditional access routes to the beach.
In recent years, developers have softened their approach, understanding that “private beach” claims hold no legal ground in Mexico. Nonetheless, many resort to environmental protection claims to further restrict access.
“Many hoteliers possess concessions for protecting local species, like sea turtles, using these as excuses to curb beach access, even though their projects often involve heavy machinery,” residents accuse.
The absence of a comprehensive Urban Development Plan (PDU) for La Ribera exacerbates the situation. Efforts to organize and push for transparency from municipal authorities have been repeatedly dismissed as mere lip service.
**Secondary Article: Impact of Tourism Development in Coastal Communities**
The plight of La Ribera is not isolated. Coastal communities across Mexico have faced similar battles against tourism developments. Residents argue that investors and authorities prioritize tourism over local welfare, leading to displaced communities and restricted access to natural resources.
In an interesting sub-case, a local group in Baja California managed to halt a significant development project by leveraging legal frameworks that protect indigenous land. While these victories are few, they highlight the importance of local activism and legal knowledge in combating large-scale appropriation by tourism projects.
Another example from Baja California Sur involves effective collaboration with environmental NGOs, which provided legal backing and awareness of conservation laws. This collective effort successfully restored public access to previously blocked coastal areas.
Overall, while tourism remains a critical economic driver, it is crucial to balance development with the rights and heritage of local communities. Sustainable tourism practices and comprehensive land use planning can mitigate conflicts and ensure that benefits are equitably shared.