Unregulated Urban Sprawl and Natural Resource Use

A lack of local planning and regulatory structures threatens the well being of local communities and ecosystems. For political reasons, local agencies often support the formation of irregular settlements and seasonal fishing camps along the coast.

In the fish camp at El Cardon, squatters have settled next to an extensive mangrove area. This settlement is located in a low-lying coastal mud flat that is subject to flooding. The ejido Luis Echeverría has unsuccessfully attempted to convince the settlers to relocate to the nearby community. Despite the potential harm to the mangrove environment, landowners have not addressed the issue because no governmental incentives or law enforcement compel them to do so.

These settlements and fish camps are in violation of the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve’s prohibition against new settlements. Instead of inducing the settlers to relocate, state and municipal politicians have supported them in exchange of election support and votes. This situation has led to an increase in the number of squatters entering Laguna San Ignacio.