Mulegé

Mulegé is a diverse region with a multi-faceted set of needs and attractions.  The North Pacific region is considered the area with the highest production of commercially-valuable fisheries resources.  Its lengthy 168-mile coastline and pollutant-free ecosystems are well-suited to strengthening and diversifying the region’s fisheries and aquaculture activities.  The region would benefit from modernizing its fleet through technological upgrades to nets and tracking systems.  As illegal fishing continues to be a problem in the Gulf of California (attributed to a lack of institutional coordination combined with scarce enforcement resources and institutional corruption), channeling of additional funds for monitoring and enforcement activities would be effective methods of combating current problems. 

On the Pacific side, abalone, Pismo clam, and spiny lobster are key fisheries for local fishing cooperatives; clam aquaculture is a new enterprise in the municipality as well.  FEDECOOP, one of the largest fishing cooperatives in Laguna San Ignacio, received a Marine Stewardship Council certification for its sustainable practices related to spiny lobster; this is the first certification of a Mexican fishery.

The region also offers resources perfectly suited to the development of ecotourism, and historical and cultural tourism activities, possibly centered in Santa Rosalia.  The tourism sector could be boosted through the building of hotels and bungalows, training of the local population in English, French, German and Japanese so that they can work as tourism guides, travel agents, and tour promoters. 

For ecotourism, and the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve specifically, Green Globe 21 has certified local outfitter, Ecoturismo Kuyima, for its whale-watching and cave painting tours.  This certification references Ecoturismo Kuyima’s energy and natural resource conservation, its recycling and pollution prevention programs, its adherence to Green Globe’s tourism standards, and sustainable practices that benefit the local community.  Although the certification has not automatically increased revenue, it has increased the visibility of Ecoturismo Kuyima as a local tour outfitter in a competitive market in Laguna San Ignacio.

In order for any of the aforementioned programs to be successful, it is necessary that financial services be sufficient in the region to supply enterprises, both large-scale and micro, the necessary funds to finance their projects.  Also, basic services (water, electrical power, sanitation) need improvement in order to be sufficient.