La Paz 

The municipality of La Paz is composed of hills and mountains that surround the tectonic-erosive La Paz valley. The municipality possesses significant solar energy, fishery resources, and tourism resources particularly associated with its coastline and nearby islands.  It is, however, in this area that a series of environmentally-degrading processes are accumulating, associated with uncontrolled growth of urban areas and roads, over-exploitation of aquifers, inadequate waste disposal, coastal pollution, and degradation and substitution of natural plant life.

The population of La Paz in general, and the environmental sector in particular, is monitoring existing and proposed coastal developments, such as the planned “Paraíso del Mar” tourist development on the Mogote peninsula and another planned for Balandra Bay, as well as Costa Baja, Bahía de Los Sueños, Tecolote, Caleritas-Coyote, and Todos Santos.  The destruction of mangrove swamps and vegetation, reduction in public access to fishing and recreational areas, as well as the high level of impact on water consumption in the city, are several issues that local citizens are watching.

Environmental planning and ecological ordinance[1],efficient administration[2] and environmental conservation[3] instruments, along with the control and prevention of pollution[4], should be the foundation for decision-makers to improve the quality of life for the inhabitants of the city and the municipality.[5]  For example, the “Alternative Futures for La Paz” study in 2004 showed that 25% of the region’s wells were at risk for saline intrusion, especially those providing municipal drinking water.  With improvements to water and sewer infrastructure, conservation measures, and good planning, the municipality could relieve the pressure on its taxed groundwater system.

Environmental education is also a priority.  There are few communication campaigns, although some school programs are teaching an environmental ethic.  The Ocean Oasis movie has been a wonderful tool for describing the marine resources that lie just offshore of many of the populated urban areas but more remains to be done as many of La Paz’s children, particularly those living in the city’s poorer neighborhoods, remain disconnected to the Sea of Cortez and its biodiversity.  Audiences such as housewives, businessmen, and government officials could also benefit from targeted environmental training and awareness campaigns.