**Maravia Withdraws from “Kuni” Project amid Activist Criticism**
In the face of ongoing protests, the proposed “Kuni” mega-development in the Balandra Protected Natural Area has been officially shelved. During the inauguration of La Paz’s Mayor, Milena Quiroga Romero, the state governor announced the cancellation, attributing the decision to the Fourth Transformation government’s commitment to environmental protection.
Governor Castro Cosío emphasized the administration’s decade-long dedication to safeguarding Baja California Sur’s environment, distancing from accusations of political manipulation. However, activists claim that it was the project’s proponents, Maravia S.A. de C.V., who initially retracted, requesting the federal environmental body Semarnat to halt the evaluation process. Alejandro Olivera from the Center for Biological Diversity clarified that the company’s decision was independent of government pressure.
Despite the governor’s remarks, documents from Semarnat indicate that “Kuni” was listed as “not applicable,” suggesting a formal suspension rather than a governmental intervention. The original intent was to construct 20,000 accommodations over 1,600 hectares, including parts of the ecologically sensitive Balandra area.
Environmental activists continue to watch for official documentation from Semarnat confirming the project’s cessation, underscoring concerns about transparency and the long-term implications for local ecosystems.
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**Further Developments on the Environmental Front in Baja California Sur**
In other environmental news in Baja California Sur, activists are currently urging authorities to deny permits to projects they claim fail to meet legal environmental standards, as was highlighted with the controversial Estero de San José development. This estuary is reportedly facing a critical conservation status due to urban encroachment and mismanagement.
Moreover, recent evaluations of the Plan Subregional de Desarrollo Urbano de Loreto have uncovered irregularities, prompting calls for comprehensive reviews to ensure compliance with environmental protection laws.
These developments highlight the ongoing struggle between economic growth and environmental conservation in the region, as both citizens and activists rally for sustainable development practices that respect Baja California Sur’s unique ecological landscapes.