Mulegé

The elaboration of a municipal hydraulic plan with the federal and state governments, and a comprehensive sustainable agriculture and productive re-conversion plan in areas of recurring drought, are major priorities for Mulegé.  These plans will help identify sites to store water for animal use (construction of dikes, rubblework walls and water basins) and develop plans to recharge the aquifers.  In accordance with the state water law, the Town Hall will propose that the Potable Water and Drainage System define more precise and strict rules regarding volumes of potable water for industrial use, including tourist service companies such as hotels, marinas, port services, etc.[1]  In the municipality of Mulegé, the state Governor has reported that eight desalination plants have already been built.[2]

The Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries, the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, local nonprofits, and the Ford Motor Company launched the “Peninsular Pronghorn Antelope Recovery Plan” by means of a campaign entitled “Save the Pronghorn”.  The aim of this plan was reproduction in semi-captivity, elimination of furtive hunting, increase of knowledge of the behavior of the species and environmental education among local inhabitants.[3]

One environmental challenge for Mulegé is marine contamination, caused by solid waste and other waste products emptied into the coastal area during the squid fishing season.  There is also a lack of sanitary landfills or drainage in many communities, nor is there a garbage management program (added to the fact that the local population has a lack of education in this matter).  Management of waste water does not guarantee sanitation and potable water supplies, of which there are little, are badly used.  Surveillance and enforcement by environmental authorities is extremely limited.   Abandoned land and water vehicles, often with badly-kept engines, also generate a great deal of pollution.