Comondú

The considerable impact of intensive agriculture undertaken in the municipality of Comondú since the 1960s, and the later abandoning of that activity, has fueled erosive processes, saline soil intrusion, severe degradation of natural plant life, and over-exploitation of aquifers. As described more fully in the community development chapter, these impacts have triggered population migration and other social challenges.[1]

The lack of employment in mountain areas has resulted in excessive felling of trees and other plant species, which has a serious effect on the ecological equilibrium of the area.  A large number of trees are also felled for carbon production.  The impact is twofold:  soils are destabilized as trees are removed, which causes landslides and flooding during natural disasters; and wildlife habitat for Peninsular bighorn sheep is affected by logging roads and the increased human presence.  Because there are several UMAs in the region for this endangered species, habitat management and illegal logging must be addressed.

Environmental challenges from the thermo-electric plant and canneries at Puerto San Carlos continue.  Five of the seven sea turtle species that exist in the world arrive in this area for reproduction, but poaching, habitat destruction (mangroves and wetlands), and coastal contamination affect this important cycle.[2]

(next page >>)