For the Future of La Paz & B.C.S., Mexico Paradise of the Sea, or the Destruction of Paradise? This document is the results of an eight-month investigative study on the affects of the proposed: Paradise of the Sea project, on the El Mogote Peninsula in La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico Concerned Citizens has undertaken this investigative study so that all of the genuine impacts: ecological, cultural, social, economical, standard(s) of living, resource uses, legal implications, etc. can be presented and clearly understood by all citizens and visitors concerned with the future of La Paz. This is a summary of the 254 megabyte study we have compiled from: a myriad of highly competent investigators reports\studies; five universities (including three of La Paz’ finest) studies of the various impacts; numerous public officials personal assistance and public documents; world renowned N.G.O.s; National and International Governmental reports on applicable topics; the efforts of a multitude of concerned citizens, etc. We have tried to present this document in plain and easy to understand language so that all people are informed in terms they can easily comprehend. Concerned Citizens approaches this as a project that will educate the people so that they can formulate their opinions from a well-informed standpoint and take actions based upon those well informed opinions. The complete scientific, and all related, studies are available to those who wish to study the in-depth implications of all of the topics at hand and formulate their own opinions. This investigative study is still a work in progress and we welcome the opinions, expertise, voluntary services, material contributions, networking, etc. of all those who wish to help address the issues set forth in this document. We are all Concerned Citizens and we each have a part in determining the future that we would like to see for our beloved City & County of La Paz, the State of Baja California Sur, the Republic of Mexico, the very Planet upon which we all live, and the natural environment upon which it all depends. We ask that each person receiving this document share it with your families, friends, teachers\students, news media choices, civic organizations and associates. Wherever possible, we wish to invite you to copy and forward this to anybody, or organization, that you feel may be interested and able to help in some way(s). We would suggest that you, who feel so moved, contact your government officials with your concerns. Introduction to Concerned Citizens Concerned Citizens for the Future of La Paz & Baja California Sur, Mexico was ignifica and founded in April of 2004, when the most recent development plans for the El Mogote Peninsula began to look like actual construction of the proposed Paradise of the Sea project would happen. For over a half a century the citizens of La Paz had heard one mad capped scheme after another for the development of El Mogote and nobody took this new one as anything but another future failed plan in the making, and that would never actually touch the delicate ecological environment there. When two palapas were constructed and we discovered actual bulldozing of the land was happening, with evidence of the destruction and death of endemic species filmed, we set about to address the concerns of many citizens and to end a project on which what all knowledgable locals recognized as un-developable property, due to its’ geology and ecologically essential mangroves, which are protected by law. As the whole picture began revealing itself we have uncovered all that is set forth in this document. This has all been done with next to no external funding and has been a 100% volunteer effort by a whole list of concerned citizens that reaches into the thousands and covers a wide spectrum of the society of La Paz who have become actively involved. The brains of this effort has been its’ academic core, and ecological community the soul, which have gone to whatever extents necessary to put forward well thought out investigations and studies addressing most of the issues we have faced. The heart of this effort is the Citizens of La Paz who raised the grass roots support needed to get the information to people throughout the community at large and raise a public cry of protest, based upon sound research and well documented studies. The news media picked up the cry by being the peoples voice and has kept it being heard by the public at large for the past seven & months. Many public servants, our inside eyes and ears, have also contributed with their inside information which was essential to understand the overall picture and address things in their fullest possible light. The feet and hands of this are all those of you who take this presentation and do something about it. Volunteer to help. This presentation and all of its’ supporting materials is the completion of the first eight months of Concerned Citizens actively working for the future of La Paz , leading to the years’ end, explaining our efforts. It sets the stage for all of our future projects, which have expanded to include a broad array of environmental problems we face in this area and which have far reaching affects upon the entire region. We also hope to have Balandra Bay and the El Mogote Peninsula declared a United Nations World Heritage Bio Reserve and have been in direct contact with the proper U.N. Officials to set that consideration into motion. The Mangrove Forests in those two locations are the most ignificant strands on the Bay of La Paz and amoung the most important along the Sea of Cortez. They are essential for the life of the sea and should remain part of the patrimony of the citizens of La Paz, and indeed of the entire planet as it is imparative to save the sources of sea life that feed the people and other forms of sea, air and terrestrial life as a whole. Considering our lack of resources and the relatively short period of time this effort has been unfolding, it can easily be stated that miracles have been performed by the shear will of the people involved and their dedication to one of the worthiest of causes. Come join with us in this effort and be part of the growing family of Pacenos, Mexicans and foreign residents who can be proud to stand up for the future of their home, families and culture, as well as preserving the abundance of life we are blessed with via the Sea of Cortez, the most biologically diverse body of water on Earth. We are the caretakers of the natural wonders we have been gifted with and must protect them for the health of the Planet and generations to come.
There are numerous, and totally legitimate, concerns and reasons why the Paradise of the Sea project, on the El Mogote Peninsula in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, should not proceed. All points set forth in this document are supported by extensive studies done by some of the leading experts in their fields, most having doctoral degrees and\or years-decades of hands-on-experience in all of the issues addressed within this document. The lead investigator is considered a living legend, with 46 years of hands-on-experience in all facets of study necessary to understand, and address, the issues involved in a myriad of efforts, environments and cultures. As a 46-year resident of La Paz, he is amply familiar with all of the topics at hand and is highly respected by the community at large. His work and inspiration has inspired some of today’s significant, most effective and successful, environmental efforts worldwide. All assertions, set forth in this document, are supported by: in-depth academic studies & presentations (in easy to understand language/terms); news media articles and film; investigative reports; and official documents. All laws addressed are easily documented. All news media articles are available for examination. Supporting signatures by over 1,500 citizens are documented. Related issues are addressed to give a clearer overall prospective, all supported by documentation. All scientific studies in relation to this document are available, and the credibility of the sources can be very well documented, as can be their authors’ professional reputations and that of the educational institutions and organizations, which they are representative of. All said materials can be obtained from Concerned Citizens, and in various cases via official governmental agencies documentation, news media sources, published scientific studies and national & international non-governmental organizations of considerable repute.
The issues are as follows: (1) The legal status of the sale of Public Lands on the El Mogote Peninsula, or any other Public Lands, without the legally mandated Public Referendum (which was not complied with) is highly debatable. In fact, without said Public Referendum(s), such sale of Public Lands has no validity in law. (Concerned Citizens for the future of La Paz & B.C.S., Mexico has presented a petition to the State Congress, signed by over 1,200 citizens, which demands a Public Referendum on said sale. Concerned Citizens is also preparing to take legal action, with our newly volunteered legal team of CEMDA (the Mexico Center of Environmental Rights Law), one of the most respected legal entities in Mexico, will be further compiling complete case law in these regards, and will include all impacts: environmental; cultural; infrastructural; social; economic; human rights etc. of said development. Currently, Concerned Citizens has a 254 megabyte file composed of studies from 5 major universities, and global studies from a myriad of highly respected sources addressing all of the various issues, as well as legal citings of Local , Federal and International laws, rules, treaties and regulations, including numerous Constitutional and Human Rights issues. As well as two video documentaries, produced by members of Concerned Citizens.. (2) The sale price of this Public Land, for $10.00 (Pesos N.M.) per m2, was, and is, patently fraudulent, as land in the La Paz area has far higher monetary value(s). For example, land in the La Fuente area, that is, south of town, far from the beaches and in a high-risk area, sells for approximately $200.00 per m2 (Pesos N.M.). Beachfront property is, of course, far more expensive. In fact the Paradise of the Sea sales office is selling m2 for $17, 500 pesos for a house, $12,745 pesos for condominiums and $12, 745 pesos for condominiums, $21, 545 pesos for a penthouse “next to the seaâ€. These prices are exclusively for the founders. Numbers do not lie, and the extreme difference between the purchase and sale prices is a case of outright fraud, with the victims being both the citizens, who owned/own this Public Land, and the purchasers who are paying extremely high prices by comparison. (3) Geological studies of the El Mogote Peninsula conclusively state that the nature of the area is migrating sand that drops off to over a 300-meter depth into the Bay of La Paz proper. It is silica sand, the most unstable type of sand, therefore making it the most difficult land type to build anything upon and, for certain, nothing of any heavy loads (any structure of any significant size). Storms, migrating sands, tectonic plate shifts, tsunamis and other storm generated tidal actions can undermine any structural foundations there. Hurricanes, which occur fairly regularly (every 7 years on average) in the La Paz area, commonly move millions of tons of sand via high winds, rain and extreme tidal actions. (4) It is legally prohibited to sell property (constructable lots) without existing Public Services, i.e., roads, water, electricity, sewage, etc., yet no such infra-structure exists on the El Mogote Peninsula, other than imaginary services drawn into the plans of the development, with no construction permits. Here again, due to the geology of the site, it is not likely (and as close to impossible as there is) that any structurally sound water, sewage, electrical, etc. systems can be put into place that will survive for more than a relatively short period of time. Of course, one must also remember that, when such systems fail, all of the waste dumps directly into the land, sea and mangrove forest; i.e., an ecological disaster. (5) The Paradise of the Sea project(s) has absolutely no Municipal Permits to build any structures, nor does said project have any valid impact statements submitted on the Municipal level to move the permit process forward. It is patently illegal to promise houses, hotels, condominiums, a marina, golf courses, etc., when one does not have any permits to build anything at all.
Furthermore, prospective clients are not warned of these facts and are deceived into believing that all titles, permissions, environmental impact statements, etc. are validly completed and all laws are being complied with. Such is absolutely false in the case of the Paradise of the Sea project and abundant evidence exists on all levels to conclusively support that such is the case. For sales of this project (Paradise of the Sea) to proceed, the sales agents and administrators must admit to prospective clients that grave problems exist and that any prospective client, or investor, be informed of what those problems are and that any funds invested are on pure speculation that, against all odds, this endeavor will proceed and succeed. Without such warnings, any sales are pure & premeditated fraud, committed under false pretexts. It is also a clear violation of the ethics of, and any related laws for, Truth in Advertising. (6) The property for the proposed Paradise of the Sea project includes 110 hectares of mangrove forest, an extremely fragile ecological environment. These mangroves are the birthing grounds and nurseries of a very large percentage of sea life and are essential for the health and ecological balance of the Bay of La Paz , the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Most marine species (endemic and migratory) not born in the mangroves are dependent upon the life born there for their food sources. Mangroves and coral reefs are where the vast majority of sea life is born and which other species feed upon. There are no more essential sources of sea life than mangroves and coral reef systems. It is absolutely imperative that these eco-systems be preserved. The health of the sea and the livelihoods of fisherman and their families depend upon these life forms. If their very sources of creation and sustenance are destroyed, so is the overall life of the sea and the livelihoods of those depending upon it. Today there are over 600 families in La Paz that depend directly upon fishing for their economic livelihoods and hundreds (or more) of other families involved in the seafood business as well. This is not even to mention the seafood supplies of the people. We must include the fact that all of the eco-tourism businesses in the area are also highly dependent upon maintaining the balance of the sea life, which attracts customers to their services. Remember that eco-tourism is the number one source of tourist revenue in the County of La Paz and indeed in many areas of the State. If you destroy the mangroves, thereby destroying the very sources of life which supplies the food for both the migratory common & rare sea species that tourists come to experience, you destroy the businesses depending upon this industry and you also lose a major portion of the reasons that people want to come to La Paz, the Baja California Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez for; i.e., a near pristine, extremely rich, incredible biologicial diversity and largely ecologically intact land & sea scapes. Additionally, the Mangrove Forests themselves have an economic value, i.e., the seafood produced and the environmental benefits rendered. After extensive studies, the closest possible dollar value of natural mangrove forests is approximately $20,000.00 U.S. dollars annually, per hectare. This figure means that the 110 hectare mangrove forest on the El Mogote Peninsula produces approximately $2,200,000.00 U.S. dollars per year in products (seafood) and services to the area. And this is without investing any funds at all, just taking care of, and not destroying, the mangroves’ environment and delicate ecological balance. These eco-systems are among the most biologically diverse and productive natural systems upon the face of the Earth, and provide a myriad of benefits to the local environment, as well as the economical benefits provided. It is largely due to the mangroves that the Sea of Cortez is, in fact, the most biologically diverse body of water on the planet. (7) It is a well-known fact that there are very significant, and irreversible, ecological impacts caused by golf courses (of which two are planned into the Paradise of the Sea development scheme) and such impacts are totally intolerable in mangrove areas. The uses of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are devastating to mangrove forest areas and have greatly contributed to the destruction of over 50% of mangrove forests around the world, which in turn has severely impacted marine species and the fishing industry worldwide, i.e., the worlds natural seafood supply. These statements are all very well documented via scientific studies conducted in areas that have been impacted by golf courses and the associated developments that surround them. In fact, a recent published study by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (one of the leading scientific bodies of the world) addresses the uses of genetically modified grass used on golf courses worldwide. These genetically altered strains (made by inserting an altered gene so that the grass can resist the herbicide Round Up) are now known to cross pollinate with native grasses and agricultural species in a radius of 21 kilometers (with 10 kilometer per-hour prevailing winds) surrounding the area in which the genetically altered grass is planted, in the first generation, and becomes totally uncontrollable when the infected strains cross pollinate further a-field with the following generations. All these plants die and decompose, with their genetic components migrating into other life forms. This affects both agricultural and native species, and all life forms that feed upon the infected food sources. In the immediate case of seafood, born in the infected areas, this then migrates into the human food chain. This also applies to the fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used. Do we want to ingest a genetically altered gene in our food, and therefore into our physical systems, that is so toxic as to be able to resist one of the most potent forms of herbicides there is? (8) The El Mogote Peninsula is the habitat for hundreds of species, or more, both endemic and migratory. Studies are still being undertaken by Concerned Citizens and participants, who are professors and students of this areas leading universities, to determine the total numbers, the types of species not yet known as migratory or endemic residents, and their status of endangerment. Of the species that we now know inhabit the El Mogote Peninsula (specifically the mangrove forest region), there are at least 5 bird species that are on the special protection list and at least one other, with the highest protection status, is on the verge of extinction. Out of 215 species 15% are residents. It is thus illegal to destroy the habitats that such species depend upon. Any projects in such ecologically sensitive areas must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that they will not negatively impact these absolutely essential and extremely delicate ecological areas. The Paradise of the Sea project, as presented, cannot feasibly commit to any such assurances. Indeed all independent environmental and geological studies, by the leading universities in La Paz and other highly respected organizations, scientists and universities nationally and internationally, state categorically that there is no way for the Paradise of the Sea to proceed without major negative, and irreversible, environmental impacts. (9) Concerned Citizens has conducted an 8 month survey of foreign visitors and Mexican national tourists, most of whom have been coming to La Paz for many years, and who have been the mainstay of the tourist economy here for decades. Our findings were that the universal opinions of the hundreds of visitors surveyed has been that if the El Mogote Peninsula is developed and destroys the views from the Malecon (the beachfront street and primary commercial zone for the tourist industry) of the city; introducing the Mega Tourists resort influences and destroying the sea life in the process; as well as greatly altering the culture of La Paz, that the very tourists which have been supporting La Paz for decades will not return, nor recommend La Paz to their families, friends and associates. Word of mouth is the most powerful and effective means of advertising and La Paz will lose a major portion of that if it proceeds with uncontrolled developments as planned. That would be a major loss for our economy and for the culture, which has propelled La Paz to the highest standard of living in Mexico; and it being known as one of the most desirable places on Earth to visit and retire.
Here again, La Paz has had a history of attracting tourists who come largely for eco-tourism, enjoying the great natural wonders, which La Paz and the State of Baja California Sur have to offer. One must also point out that eco-tourism worldwide has been one of the fastest growing tourist sectors (increasing by over 200% per year) and therefore something that needs to be preserved and encouraged here for the benefit of the economy, as well as the ecology of the region. (10) The Paradise of the Sea project proclaims that it will benefit the community via added employment and they say that over their 20 year plan for the project that they will employ thousands of workers, which in turn would raise the standard of living. This sounds good in theory, but: the facts are that they offer employment with a wage of $3,600.00 (Pesos M.N.) per month, when the average wage in La Paz is over $5,000.00 (Pesos N.M.). Here again, numbers do not lie and the apparent wages for the project would be $1,400.00 (Pesos N.M.) per month less than the average we now enjoy, which brings the average income of La Paz (and the effects upon the overall standard of living) down, not up. It is also commonly known (locally) that many local people, who have already been employed by the Paradise of the Sea project, in various capacities, have not even been paid for their work or services. It is also well known and well documented that their promise to contribute to the Downtown Historical Restoration Projects, via a contribution of $1,000,000.00 (pesos N.M., or $90,000.00 U.S. Dollars) in lieu of anticipated taxes, was never fulfilled and, today, that section of the downtown street restoration, which that contribution was supposed to pay for, is still not completed and the Municipal Government has had to pay the bills for the street work to continue and finally be finished. It’s also known that Luis Cano, one year ago and one year into the project, mortgaged El Mogote for $1,000,000 dollars, which has a clear violation of the legal contract that states that the land cannot be sub-contracted (in this case mortgaged) to investors outside of the original contact agreements. (11) The Paradise of the Sea project utilizes two electric cars to shuttle their prospective clients around, essentially providing tourists transfer and transportation. These vehicles have no apparent valid permits to use them for such services. In fact, one has absolutely no license plates (with only a license plate holder identifying the origin of the car as California) and the other has the U.S. State of California license plates. According to Mexican Law, any vehicle utilized to transport tourists, or conduct any other business in Mexico: must be legally imported; must display a valid Mexican-issued license plate (in this case a federally issued commercial, and tourist service authorized license plates); must meet the standards set for safety and comfort; and be licensed by the Secretary of Communications and Transportation (S.C.T.), etc. To utilize these vehicles, as they are, for said use, is patently illegal without proper importation, registrations, S.C.T. permits, meeting of the safety and comfort standards, having proper license plates displayed and all proper permits completed, etc. (12) To date, the Paradise of the Sea project has not complied with any environmental commitments they have made, after being over two years in progress. For example, they have promised to reforest a section of Mangrove Forest in order to meet the rules set forth by SEMARNAT (the federal agency which administers and regulates all uses of the lands and waters in Mexico) in order for their project to proceed. In fact, PROFEPA (the enforcement arm of SEMARNAT) has revoked all previously issued permits (after 3 extensions of the original permits, in order for them to comply with their original agreements) for the Paradise of the Sea project, as a result of their non-compliance with the commitments they have made. Furthermore, even if they had attempted to comply with the reforestation of the mangroves they propose to move for a marina complex, such an endeavor is highly deceptive. Studies done by participants of Concerned Citizens, who are academic professors from our leading universities, which specialize in Marine Biology and Biology in general, have shown that one out of ten trees transplanted survives. In affect, it would take the removal of tens times the number of the mangrove trees in order to reforest another area of similar size as the proposed marina. Since their marina project is supposed to occupy 1.86 hectares, it would mean the necessity of removing 18.6 hectares of mangrove trees to accomplish the proposed reforestation. In addition, it would necessitate the reintroduction of all species which inhabit a mature mangrove forest and it is currently unknown how many of those would survive, if in fact a 100% transplant of all natural flora and fauna could be accomplished to begin with (due to the incredible diversity of life forms, it is highly unlikely that such a total transplant could be accomplished). Obviously, a losing proposition. (13) Concerned Citizens has uncovered further fraud committed by the administrators of the Paradise of the Sea project. The technique that was used in their Environmental Impact Statements, to evaluate the environmental impacts of the Paradise of the Sea project, was an abbreviated Leopold’s Matrix that, oddly enough, didn’t even consider the impacts of the marina on protected plant species, nor the extreme diversity of wildlife species with protective status i.e., mangroves and other plant-life forms, birds and endemic species which inhabit the mangroves, nor the affects upon its’ resident and migratory species (hundreds of species combined) that would be destroyed. The initial Environmental Impact Statements submitted by this project to obtain the needed permits were defective, to the extreme. It simply was not a valid assessment, nor could any permits based upon it be considered valid. (14) Concerned Citizens has also uncovered a major fraudulent scheme involving the administrators of the Paradise of the Sea project. The General Director of the Paradise of the Sea project, Luis Cano, and others involved with their project, attempted to defraud the Ejido of La Purisima (ejidos are lands expropriated by the government for the people and are similar in status to U.S. Native American Reservations). This group attempted to create a fake ejido membership list in order to impose, by vote, the creation of a tourist development similar to the Paradise of the Sea project. This group voted, as purported genuine ejido members, to authorize the sale of the projects’ site and its’ construction plans. The documentations supporting their memberships have now been proven to be totally false and those officials who issued said documentations, and made rulings in favor of, have now been cited in Mexican Federal Court documents for abuse of power, influence peddling, issuing false certifications of ejido membership, issuing erroneous rulings in favor of the supposed votes of the false ejido members (which have all now been revoked by the most recent Federal Court rulings), etc. (15) To date, there have been over 125 articles in the news media that have been categorically opposed to the El Mogote (Paradise of the Sea) project. Generally speaking, most subjects reported in the news media are mentioned once, sometimes with a follow up article, or two. Relatively major stories, most often, are limited to several articles, but rarely exceed five or six times. Major news, generally wars, State and National elections, major political scandals, very major natural disasters, etc. receive major coverage, but even those are relatively limited and rarely occupy the news for more than a few weeks, or a month or so. It is extremely rare, in the news media, for any particular subject to achieve the level of attention that the opposition to the El Mogote project has inspired. For over seven months, with dozens of Banner Headlines, this subject has dominated the news of this State, more so than even the wars in the Middle East, the dominant stories for the world media during the same period of time. This strongly and clearly indicates that there is extremely strong opposition, and indeed a public mandate to stop the Paradise of the Sea project and, in general, to save El Mogote as the Public Land that it is. The vast majority of the people appear to be in strong favor of keeping the El Mogote Peninsula as a permanent Ecological Reserve, with a Public Beach front for traditional camping and general environmentally sound day uses. In fact, there is a strong effort to have the El Mogote Peninsula declared a United Nations World Heritage Bio Reserve (the patrimony of humanity), and the initial personal & direct contacts, by Concerned Citizens and associated N.G.O.s, have been made with officials of UNESCO to further that effort. (16) Because the peninsula of Baja California (which includes the States of Baja California and Baja California Sur) is a desert climate, fresh water is of prime importance. Also, because La Paz has been greatly expanding in population since Baja California Sur became a State in 1974 (approximately 30,000 inhabitants at the time and 216,000 now), there is a serious and totally valid concern about the water supplies of the area now, and for future generations. Indeed, most Colonias (sections of town) which have been built in the recent past, and continue to grow, have severe water shortages, sometimes having no infrastructure at all to even deliver the water, other than tanker trucks which fill individual storage tanks. In times of drought the situation becomes even more critical. The Paradise of the Sea project plans, as initially submitted, claims that the project will in no way impact the available water supplies. Their plans called for the creation of a water desalinization plant to supply all of their fresh water needs. In fact, the General Director assured the government and Concerned Citizens that the project would not use Public Water supplies and, indeed, would supply water to the city. Here again, the deceptions are revealed. That project has since applied for municipal water, as it appears that they had no real intention of following through on their costly initial plans, as submitted and thereby approved. Concerned Citizens has presented a petition to the State Congress, utilizing the Mexican Constitution (article 27), demanding that the Public Water supply first be used to provide normal water supplies to all citizens before any consideration can be given to foreign development projects. The State Congress and SAPA (the public water authority) thereby denied the Paradise of the Sea project access to Public Water supplies. Furthermore, although there is limited fresh water available on El Mogote, which supplies the mangroves with the essential balance of fresh water for its ecological system, that such water sources cannot be used for the development project. This forces the project to follow through with a water desalinization plant and the only permission given was by the CNA (National Water Commission) to drill two test wells for brackish water that is suitable for desalinization. Even then, since the Paradise of the Sea project has not complied with its environmental commitments, they do not to date have the permits needed from SEMARNAT, or PROFEPA, for use of the land, or for the use of any heavy load vehicles, which are both mandatory for any drilling to proceed. Additionally, it should be mentioned that golf courses use incredible volumes of water. Enough water to supply hundreds of homes. At the same time that water acts as a conduit for the flow of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used on the golf courses (as well as for all other gardening and landscaping needs). The water seeps throughout the surrounding region, contaminating underground water supplies, and thereby spreading those harmful substances throughout the El Mogote Peninsula, the mangroves and the surrounding sea. Add to that, the affects of the genes from the genetically altered grass used on the greens. (17) The El Mogote Peninsula is the first line of defense for La Paz in the event of major storms, as it is essentially a natural breakwater that divides the inner bay from the outer bay (one of the great bays of the world), where wave action is far more intense, often having wave sizes in the 6 to 10 meter range during larger hurricanes. If not for the El Mogote Peninsula, the Malecon of La Paz would be subject to direct hits by these huge waves during major storms. Such would have catastrophic affects and totally destroy the central downtown shoreline area, and coastal communities along the bay (the Malecon and low lying areas to the sides and behind it). The flora, and particularly the mangroves, are what holds the sands together and keeps the entire peninsula from being blown away by the winds, and washed away by the torrential rains of major storms and extremely intense tidal actions. If this plant life is severely damaged; removed; or destroyed, the sands (which by nature are migrating silica sands with only root structures, primarily of the mangroves, to hold it in place) could easily shift and fill the channel of the inner bay. Major hurricanes typically move millions of tons of sand, and a very major hurricane (categories 4 & 5), particularly if it stalls and sits in place for days, could completely destroy the El Mogote Peninsula without the native (and therefore highly adapted to the extremes of weather conditions in their native habitat) flora, which holds the sands in place. Can La Paz take such a chance as the destruction of its natural protective barrier, which serves as a breakwater, that protects the city and particularly its coastline, heavily populated shoreline communities and traditional tourist destinations? Not to mention that the Malecon is where Pacenos (citizens of La Paz) traditionally gather for sunset strolls and nighttime activities. It is the social center of the city, and has its most valuable real estate (commonly called the Golden Zone). (18) Due to the long-term projections of the Paradise of the Sea project, it would necessitate thousands of imported workers who will work at sub-standard wages for the region. Normally, that means importing labor from the poorer regions of Southern (and other poorer parts of the mainland) Mexico. Even more so as La Paz enjoys a very low unemployment rate (2.3%) and certainly does not have the numbers of skilled and semi-skilled construction workers to fill underpaid positions as they arise. The importation of workers and their families would put an extreme burden on the already over stressed infrastructure of La Paz. There simply is not the housing, schools, power structure, water sources and systems of delivery, medical facilities, emergency services, and all the other things that are necessary to accommodate such an influx of families and their essential needs. Nowhere in the Paradise of the Sea project proposal does it state what that project will do regarding its’ responsibilities to accommodate the influx of workers, and their families, who will be employed by them. Nor how they will live reasonable well on the $3,600.00 (pesos N.M.) per month it offers its workers. That wage rate is roughly at the local poverty level, not to mention cost increases, many of those resulting, directly and indirectly, from the project itself! These subjects where brought to the direct attention of the General Director of the project, Luis Cano, in a taped and partially televised interview conducted by Concerned Citizens and Channel 10 Television. Each time a topic(s) came up that addressed the stresses on the local infrastructure, his responses were that those were the problems and responsibilities of the government and city. Including black water treatment and all other essential services for his project directly which, to date (and two years into the projects’ planning), has absolutely no infrastructure in place to accommodate the projects’ needs. Essentially he was stating that millions of dollars in cost directly related to his project, and directly benefiting said project, were to be paid for by the citizens of La Paz, the State of B.C.S. and, via Federal funds, at the cost to all of the citizens of Mexico as a whole. And this, without the citizens who would be paying the bills even knowing about it, much less consenting to it. At one point, when confronted with the faulty Environmental Impact Statements for his project (which he appeared to not even know himself, but which Concerned Citizens experts had studied extensively), his response was that as businessmen, working with other business people, all they really knew about was how to make money. This is well documented in raw T.V. footage by Channel 10 News and, of course, witnessed by all those attending the interview.
(19) The cultural impacts of mega-tourist-developments are well known and would dramatically affect the culture, infrastructure, crime, and the high living standards enjoyed by the citizens of La Paz. Participants of Concerned Citizens have done a documentary on Cabo San Lucas, one of Mexicos’ largest premier resorts, and most expensive mega-tourist-development areas, which sits in the State of Baja California Sur, of which La Paz is the capital. This film, titled THE MASK, very well demonstrates the mega-wealth of such areas, but also the mega-poverty surrounding such resorts, where the cost of living is extremely high and the wages as low as $46.00 (pesos N.M, or about $4.20 U.S. dollars) per day. The living conditions of the typical Mexican workers are deplorable, living in waste dumps and areas at high risk during storms. Their homes can only be described as shacks made of discarded cardboard and other salvaged materials, often without even the most basic of sanitary services. With little to no water from the Public Water Authority and, when it is available, that water is contaminated with nitrates from leakage of raw sewage into the water tables. The nitrate levels are high enough (10 parts per million) that the water could kill an infant less than six months of age and, of course, would severely impact the health of anybody who consumed it. Tanker trucks that fill up whatever water storage tanks that these poor workers can manage to put together must deliver potable water. Where electricity is available it must generally be illegally tapped into, with dangerous and faulty wiring. A belt of poverty surrounds Cabo San Lucas, and all other mega-tourist-resorts in Mexico. In which live the very workers that service the mega-wealthy resorts and their clients! Yes, hundreds of millions (or billions) of dollars pass through such resorts, but to little benefit of the typical Mexican workers who make it all possible, and in whose country the resorts exist. To live in such poverty, yet see before your very eyes the mega-resorts and million-dollar homes, mega-yachts, cruise ships, golf courses consuming vast amounts of water while the people have little, or none without carrying it in; to see the grand paved highways and streets of the rich tourist areas, yet live on dirt streets that turn to mud rivers in the rain; for your children to be malnourished and picking through a garbage dump to survive, while they see the rich enjoying the finest foods and service--------, one could easily submit that these are crimes against humanity, and rightfully so. La Paz does not want this, nor does it need it, for its standard of living is already the highest in the Republic and its citizens the most prosperous, as a whole. (20) The El Mogote Peninsula is also a historic site, used as a burial ground by the indigenous peoples (as well as early settlers artifacts) and containing valuable relics of their culture. INAH (the Federal Government Agency charged with protecting all historic sites) has already ruled that no construction can occur on El Mogote without first documenting and cataloging all archeological sites and their contents. As a burial grounds, it has deep spiritual meanings for Native Peoples and the El Mogote Peninsula deserves preservation for that aspect alone. Concerned citizens invites your active participation in the efforts to stop the destruction of the El Mogote Peninsula and have it returned back to the citizens as their legitimate patrimony and a place for future generations to enjoy and benefit from. Your suggestions are more than welcomed. Please share this document with whomever you think would appreciate learning of its contents and who may be able to assist in our efforts for the future of La Paz and preserving its ecological and natural wonders. The future of our beloved city depends upon your wholehearted support. Urgently needed contributions of: funds; office furnishings; computers, copiers, etc. & communications needs; all forms of material support; as well as volunteers, are also greatly needed. Tax deductable donation status is available for all contributions.
A special thanks and well earned credits for all those who have made this all possible. Concerned Citizens would like to thank all those who have participated and contributed greatly to all the needs that have been met, and the investigative studies compiled, as the foundations of this document. Particular thanks must be given to the Professors and Student Bodies of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (U.A.B.C.S.), the Center for Biological Investigations North (CIBNOR) and the Center for Marine Sciences (CICIMAR), three of the leading Marine and General Biology Institutes in Latin America and world renowned for their expertise. Additional thanks must be given to Harvard University and the University of Arizona, working with U.A.B.C.S. and CICIMAR, which contributed their major eight-month study, and twenty-year projections for: Future Alternatives for the Region of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The sponsors of that study were the International Community Foundation (ICF) and the Mexican Foundation for Environmental Education ( FUNDEA). Concerned Citizens of La Paz extends its heartfelt thanks for their generous contributions that made the most comprehensive study of its kind, on the possible future alternatives for the City & County of La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico a reality; and done by some of the worlds’ leading experts in their fields. Information contributed by a myriad of Civil Servants here in La Paz has been a cornerstone in the investigative process and provided information not immediately available from other sources. They have more than proven that they are genuinely concerned citizens who love their community and wish to protect it from poorly planned developments that threaten the future of La Paz and its future generations. A very special thanks must be given to the States’ News Media Organizations and particularly the newpapers: El Peninsular (grade them an A& and give them a Truly Free Press Award), the Calisureno, the Sud Californiano and the Tribune of Los Cabos; as well as the local magazines COMPA, Analysis and Alternatives for their excellent coverage; and the local’s magazine’s ALTERNATIVA, ANALISIS, EL COMPAS and national CAMBIO for its expose of some of the characters involved; as well the the national newspaper La Jornada for its’ recent stories. Their extensive reporting has helped greatly in maintaining public awareness of the problems at hand and contributed largely to educating the general public on many levels. Channel 10 T.V. has also contributed to some extent. Together they have made awareness of the natural environment a household topic and greatly elevated the public consciousness about the natural world and the need to protect our precious natural resources. Well deserved individual credits:
