BajaNomad

Wildcoast: Support LA Bay Legal Defense Fund

BajaNomad - 6-10-2004 at 12:33 PM

Received yesterday:

> HELP US STOP THE 500 SLIP MARINA IN PUNTA ARENAS
> SUPPORT THE LA BAY LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
>
>
> CONTACT:
> Serge Dedina
> WILDCOAST
> 925 Seacoast Dr.
> Imperial Beach, CA 91932
> 619.423.8665,
> sdedina@wildcoast.net
>
>
> Dear Friends of LA Bay:
>
> Please pass this on to all your friends who love LA Bay, Baja and the
> Sea of Cortez.
>
> All of you who have enjoyed the special magic of the whale sharks,
> dolphins, whales, islands, sea turtles, bird-life and marine life of
> LA Bay know that this magic place will be changed forever through the
> construction of a recently approved marina there.
>
> In order to preserve one of the crown jewels of the Sea of Cortez, on
> Thursday June 3, 2004, the Ejido Tierra y Libertad filed an injunction
> through the Institute for Environmental Policy and Law of Northwest
> Mexico against a 500 slip marina approved by President Fox for the
> Punta Arenas wetland (location of the lighthouse) in Bahia de los
> Angeles, Mexico.
>
> Wildcoast, Baja California Coastkeeper and Mexico?s Grupo de los Cien
> are working in partnership with the Ejido and the Institute to support
> this campaign to save one of the Sea of Cortez?s crown jewels.
>
> Through the generous support of the Global Green Grant Fund we have
> already supported the first round of legal actions but need to
> continue processing new lawsuits to make sure that this terrible
> project never sees the light of day.
>
> The construction of this marina will significantly alter the Bahia de
> los Angeles marine and coastal ecosystem. The project will destroy
> habitat for whale sharks, sea turtles, and spawning fish. This project
> will also damage the livelihoods of the people of Bahia de los Angeles
> who make their living from ecotourism and sport fishing.
>
> We ask you to support this historic effort on behalf of the people of
> Bahia de los Angeles to save their way of life and the stunning
> wetlands of the Sea of Cortez. 100% of funds raised will go to support
> the Campaign.
>
> Please send your tax-deductible contributions to Wildcoast:
> Address:
> LA Bay Legal Defense Fund
> Wildcoast
> 925 Seacoast Drive.
> Imperial Beach, CA 91932
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Serge Dedina, Ph.D.
> Executive Director
> Wildcoast
> sdedina@wildcoast.net
> 619. 423.8530
> =============================================================
> EN BAH?A DE LOS ANGELES, PRIMERA ACCI?N LEGAL DE UNA COMUNIDAD RURAL
> EN CONTRA DE LA ESCALERA N?UTICA
>
> El d?a de hoy, jueves 3 de junio de 2004, el Ejido Ganadero y
> Tur?stico ?Tierra y Libertad? ha iniciado la primera acci?n legal por
> parte de una comunidad rural, en contra de la construcci?n de una
> marina en las costas del Golfo de California.
>
> A trav?s de sus representantes legales, el Comisariado Ejidal,
> respondiendo al mandato de la Asamblea Ejidal en pleno, ha interpuesto
> un recurso de amparo en los Juzgados de Distrito de la Ciudad de
> Ensenada, demandando la nulidad del ?T?tulo de concesi?n otorgado el
> pasado 13 de mayo de 2004 en favor de Marina de los Angeles, S.A. de
> C.V., para usar y aprovechar bienes de dominio p?blico de la
> Federaci?n, consistentes en zona mar?tima para la construcci?n y
> operaci?n de una marina, de uso particular, en Bah?a de los Angeles,
> Municipio de Ensenada, Estado de Baja California?, publicado en dicha
> fecha en el Diario Oficial de la Federaci?n?.
>
> Es importante recalcar que el Ejido ?Tierra y Libertad? no se opone a
> la construcci?n de marinas en la regi?n, toda vez que se considera al
> turismo n?utico como una opci?n v?lida para generar empleos e impulsar
> el desarrollo econ?mico de la regi?n. Sin embargo, se considera
> inaceptable y fuera de toda l?gica ambiental y econ?mica la ubicaci?n
> donde se planea construir la mencionada ?Marina de los Angeles?,
> debido a los altos costos ambientales derivados de dicho proyecto, y
> que no est?n siendo considerados por los promoventes.
> Las obras a las que hace referencia el t?tulo de concesi?n,
> particularmente el dragado de la zona sujeta a concesi?n, traer?n
> consecuencias negativas no solo para el medio ambiente marino de la
> bah?a y su fauna, sino tambi?n para las actividades econ?micas que
> utilizan en forma sustentable dichos elementos naturales, beneficiando
> en forma directa e indirecta a los miembros del ejido y habitantes del
> poblado en general, totalizando un centenar de familias.
> Dichos impactos negativos incluyen:
>
> ? Asolvamiento de la regi?n interna de la bah?a. Los estudios
> oceanogr?ficos que describen el patr?n de corrientes dentro de la
> bah?a indican que los sedimentos que se produzcan durante las obras de
> dragado y mantenimiento ser?n trasladados naturalmente hacia la regi?n
> interna de la bah?a, donde se depositar?n. El mismo proceso concentra
> en esa zona el plancton del que se alimenta el tibur?n ballena
> (Rhincodon typus), especie enlistada en la NOM-ECOL-059. El
> asolvamiento alterar? el h?bitat del tibur?n ballena, en una de las
> dos zonas del mundo donde esta especie se refugia con regularidad.
>
> ? Afectaci?n a la actividad ecotur?stica de observaci?n del
> tibur?n ballena. La alteraci?n del h?bitat del tibur?n ballena dentro
> de la Bah?a de los Angeles, tanto en sus aspectos f?sicos como
> oceanogr?ficos, modificar? el patr?n conductual que hace que esta
> especie se concentre regularmente y en forma predecible en la zona.
> Este fen?meno sucede solo en dos lugares del mundo, siendo uno de
> ellos esta bah?a bajacaliforniana. Dicha concentraci?n y
> predictibilidad han posibilitado el desarrollo de una actividad
> ecotur?stica incipiente, que en la actualidad da trabajo directo a una
> treintena de embarcaciones locales. Investigaciones realizadas por la
> Universidad Aut?noma de Baja California, con colaboraci?n de miembros
> de este ejido, demuestran la importancia y fragilidad del h?bitat
> utilizado por esta especie, as? como del potencial que esta presenta
> como atractivo para el desarrollo de actividades ecotur?sticas
> sustentables. Por lo anterior, tanto las obras de dragado como la
> construcci?n y operaci?n de una marina en el ?rea afectar?an de manera
> irreversible el desarrollo de las actividades de observaci?n tur?stica
> del tibur?n ballena y con esto, el desarrollo econ?mico de la
> comunidad.
>
> ? Destrucci?n del h?bitat de desove del lenguado. La
> pesquer?a de lenguado (Paralychtis californicus) es una fuente de
> ingresos alternativa para muchos ejidatarios, as? como para todo el
> sector pesquero de Bah?a de los Angeles. Esta pesquer?a depende en
> gran medida del ?rea sujeta a dragado y sus alrededores, ya que en
> ella ocurre el desove anual de esta especie. Asimismo, es en sus ?reas
> de desove donde es posible realizar las capturas. La alteraci?n de
> esta zona, tanto por los dragados como por todas las actividades
> relacionadas a la construcci?n y posterior operaci?n de una marina,
> afectar?n en forma irremediable ?sta y muchas otras pesquer?as, de las
> cuales dependen alrededor de 100 familias.
>
> ? Destrucci?n del h?bitat de moluscos bivalvos. La zona
> sujeta a concesi?n ha sido utilizada tradicionalmente para la
> recolecci?n de diversas especies de almejas, utilizadas en la
> alimentaci?n de la poblaci?n local, compuesta por m?s de 600 personas.
> Esto es favorecido por el tipo de fondo, el r?gimen de mareas, y la
> limpieza de las aguas. Todo eso se perder? irremediablemente con las
> obras de dragado.
>
> ? Destrucci?n del humedal de Punta Arena. Las obras de
> dragado y construcci?n en el ?rea sujeta a concesi?n destruir?n un
> humedal utilizado por al menos cinco especies de aves protegidas
> enlistadas en la NOM-ECOL-059. Este humedal es, adem?s, un atractivo
> tur?stico natural, tradicional y muy cercano al poblado.
>
> ? P?rdida de belleza paisaj?stica. Bah?a de los Angeles
> representa un extremo de marginaci?n geogr?fica, pol?tica y econ?mica
> dentro del estado de Baja California. Olvidada por la inversi?n
> p?blica, su desarrollo econ?mico depende de su principal recurso: el
> paisaje. Las obras de dragado y construcci?n de una marina, justo en
> el frente del poblado, afectar?n irremediablemente su principal
> atractivo, perjudicando directamente a los miembros de este ejido y a
> todos los que directa o indirectamente dependen de la actividad
> tur?stica.
> Hechas estas consideraciones, el pasado domingo 30 de mayo el pleno de
> la Asamblea Ejidal decidi? oponerse terminantemente a la realizaci?n
> de obras de dragado dentro de la Bah?a de los Angeles, toda vez que
> existe evidencia cient?fica de que las mismas afectar?an el h?bitat
> del tibur?n ballena, entre otras caracter?sticas naturales del ?rea,
> elementos en los cuales se basa la mayor parte parte de las
> actividades econ?micas del poblado. Asimismo, decidi? disponer las
> medidas legales que sean necesarias para defender el derecho de los
> ejidatarios a gozar y beneficiarse de un medio ambiente sano, de lo
> que adem?s depende el futuro de sus familias y de una parte importante
> de la comunidad local.
>
> La representaci?n legal del Ejido "Tierra y Libertad" es coordinada
> por Derecho y Pol?tica Ambiental del Noroeste.
>

burritomama - 6-10-2004 at 05:15 PM

Thanks.

elgatoloco - 6-10-2004 at 06:15 PM

Thanks.

We are in favor of sending of some hard earned cash in the direction of this effort.

Margie - 6-11-2004 at 06:48 PM

Thank you Doug. I'm not sure what the Ejido's strength is in Baja Sur. They are weak in the North, that's for sure, and one of Fox's missions is to totally undo them. Two major lawsuits have been lost by separate Ejido's in the North in the past six years, of course, the issue was land use.

I also wonder how non-supporters of environmental issues on this Board will react and even if they will contribute ?

David K - 6-11-2004 at 10:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Margie
Thank you Doug. I'm not sure what the Ejido's strength is in Baja Sur. They are weak in the North, that's for sure, and one of Fox's missions is to totally undo them. Two major lawsuits have been lost by separate Ejido's in the North in the past six years, of course, the issue was land use.

I also wonder how non-supporters of environmental issues on this Board will react and even if they will contribute ?



Margie, Bahia de los Angeles is NOT in Baja Sur...

The land is Mexico and up to the Mexicans on what to do with it. We who don't like development (me included) have been lucky that it hasn't happened there to this point... Why Baja (Mexico's California) is a better place to spend time vacationing or ? than the U.S. California is because of this delay in development. The people who own Mexico can (and will) develop it when they want or are able to.

The goal here is not to make it some kind of government run restricted area (like at Loreto). The solution is to convince the Mexicans that it would be financially BETTER if they did NOT build the marina. Capitalism is the answer. Right now, the powers that be seem to think more money will be created with the damn marina... Our work is cut out for us. If we cannot prove that the natural beauty of L.A. Bay is more valuable than some yachtie marina, then they should build the marina and improve their lives with it.

Margie - 6-13-2004 at 12:08 AM

You're right David, it's north of Paralelo 28, the Ejidians I know refer to the area as part of Baja sur.

The point is, is that the Ejido's have been progressively weakened, just as the government wants. Subsidized sugar and tortillas are part of the past. The ejido's "up here" are fragmetized, and my question was, are the ejidos more strong
and viable "down south"?

I think a marina would be a mistake in the long run, and can't see how this would really improve their lives.
I was glad to see the Mexican Government step in and create, although under pressure, a preservation area in Loreto.
So I take it that you are a supporter of Wildcoast in Mexico, yet not a supporter of environmental groups in the United States?





[Edited on 6-13-2004 by Margie]

David K - 6-13-2004 at 11:54 AM

Good Morning Margie, I do not know how you came to those conclusions about me.

Did I say I supported Wildcoast? Is it not an American organization? Didn't my post indicate it is up to Mexicans as to what to develop in their own country?

I would like to see more Mexican enviromental groups as I think it a bit imperialistic for foreignors to go to Mexico and tell Mexicans what they should or should not develop.

As for my support of enviromental groups in the U.S., if they don't advocate using government programs (tax dollars) for their activities, and they don't try and close public lands to the public, they would have my supprt.

About the worst example of misuse of power and altered goals is the Sierra Club.

Once an organization of outdoorsmen to preserve the beauty of our mountains in California. It now is an all powerful lobby of old ladies and enviro wackos (who never leave their city condos) that try to close public lands, change our way of life, and promote socialism (government control) over our freedom of movement and access to the outdoors.

Anyway, back to the point.

FrankO - 6-13-2004 at 02:53 PM

I think there are folks down there would love to see some viable develpment. I know there are people in that bay who would love for thier children not to have to leave home for economic opportunities. I can empathize w/them on that count. Sure, I'd love to see it stay the same but then it's not my country.

Margie - 6-13-2004 at 03:38 PM

David, actually the Mexicans are the ones who come to the US environmental groups seeking help and assistance.

Toooooooooo Funny

jrbaja - 6-14-2004 at 08:09 AM

"You're right David, it's north of Paralelo 28, the Ejidians I know refer to the area as part of Baja sur."
Do the "Ejidians" you know live in Alaska by any chance?hahahahahahaha

burritomama - 6-14-2004 at 11:48 AM

Quote:
About the worst example of misuse of power and altered goals is the Sierra Club. Once an organization of outdoorsmen to preserve the beauty of our mountains in California. It now is an all powerful lobby of old ladies and enviro wackos (who never leave their city condos) that try to close public lands, change our way of life, and promote socialism (government control) over our freedom of movement and access to the outdoors.


Wow. I am busier than I thought. And older and wackier too. Maybe this explains why I am so tired most of the time. It must be my secret socialist lifestyle, hidden from even myself. And here I thought I was just a mild-mannered English teacher, daughter of a WWII vet, mother of a young son. My. I guess I should turn myself and be shot for my sins. Or maybe I should just shoot msyelf and spare my more patriotic countrymen the cost of the bullet.

But not before sending some money to defend the beauty of BOLA.

Now I can rest in peace.

Is that what the local folks want?

FrankO - 6-14-2004 at 01:44 PM

I wonder what the popular vote there would indicate? Maybe one has been done. I don't know.

[Edited on 6-14-2004 by FrankO]

David K - 6-14-2004 at 05:43 PM

Quote:
[quote/]

Wow. I am busier than I thought. And older and wackier too. Maybe this explains why I am so tired most of the time. It must be my secret socialist lifestyle, hidden from even myself. And here I thought I was just a mild-mannered English teacher, daughter of a WWII vet, mother of a young son. My. I guess I should turn myself and be shot for my sins. Or maybe I should just shoot msyelf and spare my more patriotic countrymen the cost of the bullet.

But not before sending some money to defend the beauty of BOLA.

Now I can rest in peace.



You are cracking me up burritomama... thanks for making me laugh! Pacifico's on me... !

Any chance we can keep the Sierra Club in the Sierra? In the desert, they just start smelling really bad!:o

David K - 6-14-2004 at 05:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by FrankO
I wonder what the popular vote there would indicate? Maybe one has been done. I don't know.

[Edited on 6-14-2004 by FrankO]


Hi Frank, this is a great question... I have been asking the people who have been emailing me the anti marina propaganda what do Mexicans want... it' THEIR country! Perhaps we can ask Doc if he knows the overall opinion in town.

Are you, Katie and the twins coming down? The kids and I hope to be there for the Fourth...

FrankO - 6-14-2004 at 07:08 PM

Twins on the 28th if all goes as planned. We should be able to head south in October. Should be good traveling weather by then for rugrats!
I don't want to distract from this topic. I think local folks need to be heard on what they think is good for thier town.

This could be a Good Thread!

Skeet/Loreto - 6-15-2004 at 05:08 AM

This Thread could be a "Good discussion" if we as Posters use our Judgements instead of our emotions!

It seems to me that a good number of Posters have never spent the time to learn the Lanuage or learn the people of Baja Sur.

that is the true way to make a valid Point of "What the Mexicano wants are does not Want"

Spending a good amount of time in Loreto before the Road opened, Telephones arrived,TV was introduced, I observed the changes brought on by thse changes.

After arriving in the Bay of Los Angeles on a Trip to Loreto I observed a large Building similar to the "Theme building at LAX" being constructed! That was enough for me and I have never returned.
As is reported, the various Envior Nuts, Sierra Club, Save the Whales, Save the Darter Snail,Save the Grazing, etc. are all based on MONEY.

It is very similiar to the Preachers like Pat Robertson, and Jerry Farwell,: they have developed a thing that creates "Donations". those Donations give them "Power ' to spread their Word to the Multitudes usually with no basis of Fact, mostly on Emotions! Catering to people who are looking for self-satisfaction.

Some "Good" and Some "Bad" comes of these different programs,depending on you own Enviorment at the time:

Let Mexicanos determine their Destiny!

"Keep your Nose out of other Peoples Business!

Skeet/Loreto

"In God I Trust"


Margie - 6-15-2004 at 11:17 PM

You're right, Grover the Ejido says that they are not opposed in general to marinas in the area, but they are opposed to this one in particular.

I know that alot of you joke and kid about the Gringo Gazette, and the North and South did have a falling out, but I think this latest article from 6/17/04 is newsworthy:

Ejido Opposes Marina in Bahia de los Angeles, by Miles Away:

" An Ejido in Bahia de los Angeles has filed a lawsuit in Ensenada to prevent the construction of a proposed marina in the Bay. The Ejido "Land and Liberty" is a group of communal landowners in the Bahia de los Angeles area that will be heavily affected by the development. The group filed the lawsuit in Ensenada, demanding that the government nullify the permits that have already been issued for the marina construction. This is the first time that a rural community group has taken formal action to oppose a Nautical Ladder construction project. Representatives from the Ejido stress that they are not opposed in general to the construction of marinas in the area. However, this particular project is unacceptable to them because of its high negative environmental impact.

The Ejido claims that dredging of the bay, and construction of the marina will harm the environment, and hurt many natural species that are vital to the economic health of the region. Sediments produced by dredging will be carried by ocean currents to the middle of the bay. These sediment deposits will impact the bay's plankton, which is the basic food of the endangered whale shark. Bahia de los Angeles is one of only two locations in the world where the whale shark regularly congregates, and can be viewed. Decreased whale shark activity in the bay would impact the growth of ecotourism ventures that depend on a pristine natural environment.

Other negative impacts of the marina construction would be destruction of the natural habitats for halibut and bivalve mollusks. Approximately 100 families in the area base their livelihoods on halibut fishing. Dredging of the area will also destroy the habitat of various clam species, which are regularly collected by the locals and eaten. The project is expected to permanently destroy these habitats. Also, the surrounding wetlands will be destroyed, which will harm at least five different species of endangered birds. The community group also argues that the project itself is ill defined. They say that the primary tourist attraction of the area is the bay's pristine condition, which will be destroyed by the project."

Thank you, Gringo Gazette. This issue also had a good article on Sea Cow Deaths,good State News by Rogelio Roldan, and overall a very good issue !



[Edited on 6-16-2004 by Margie]

Ejido Opposes Marina in Bahia de los Angeles, by Miles Away

David K - 6-15-2004 at 11:28 PM

Miles Away? Such a credible source for news stories!

(Really Margie, I would oppose it if that would really happen... but more-so, if the village really opposed it as Mr. Away:lol: says.)

Margie - 6-15-2004 at 11:59 PM

Well, David, this is pretty much a literal translation of the lawsuit posted by Doug.

I haven't always been a Gazette fan, I always thought they were a bit heavy on the tourist thing, and the realators down here, but her state News is always accurate and up to date, she even has an interview with Cesar Mancillas, PAN candidate for Major of Ensenada, a good book review section, this month it is of Maria Amparo Escandon's "Esperanza's Box Of Saints", calendar of events in Rosarito and Ensenada area and a restaurant review.

Anyways, it is the number one English speaking Newspaper around here, it sure beats the Baja Sun, oh, it also has a good fishing report by Tom Gatch.

I see here they have their own website http://gringogazettenorth.com

Check it out.



[Edited on 6-16-2004 by Margie]

David K - 6-16-2004 at 12:18 AM

Yes Margie, I know the paper well. There is just a lot of non-professional stuff in it... Hope you don't have any more strong quakes tonight... See you tomorrow, same bat channel!

WiLDCCOAST, Pronatura y BLA marine park

gringorio - 6-19-2004 at 08:11 AM

Having just returned from the Gulf of California conference in Tucson I wanted to add my 2 cents worth to the conversation. First, about 60% of the 350 attendees at the Conference were from Mexico, the others from the USA. I learned that there is an incredible amount of cooperation between scientists, conservationists, and concerned citizens from both sides of the border. There is nothing imperialistic about the programs/projects at all. In regards to BLA, the survey results show that approximately 80% of the local population supports the BLA Marine Reserve. Of that 80%, I recall 75% of the fishermen support the initiative. PRONATURA and WiLDCOAST are working hand in hand with locals, scientists, the Mexican government, and other conservationists in an effort to create the marine park. Again, I bring this up as an example of how well people from all backgrounds and nationalities are working together. That?s not to say the process is easy, but it is happening. The conference itself was an amazing learning experience. Nothing like being immersed in the knowledge of 350 Gulf of California specialists -- scientists and conservationists who are deeply involved in the region. I hope to post a detailed report soon.

gringorio
www.bajacaliforniaconservation.org
:bounce: