Hey there, folks! We’re basking in a lovely 20°C in Guanajuato today, so grab a cold drink and let’s dive into some local news.
So, it seems that San Miguel de Allende’s Zona de Preservación Ecológica, or the Ecological Preservation Zone, is in a bit of a pickle. After two decades of being designated as a protected area, it’s facing some serious threats – and not from natural disasters, but from good old-fashioned construction.
That’s right! Determined developers and government projects are encroaching on this precious area, which includes the gorgeous Charco del Ingenio and a whole bunch of surrounding land. There are illegal constructions from a luxury hotel trying to puff up its tourist offerings, all while the state is going ahead and building a three-story educational facility in the middle of it all.
This Ecological Preservation Zone spans a whopping 392 hectares, serving as a green lung for the city. It’s crucial for conserving wildlife, promoting vegetation, and helping retain rainfall. And yet, over the years, it’s been under siege – it’s almost as if it’s caught in a game of “who can build what” around here.
Over the last few years, local citizens and various associations have been raising their voices in defense of this area, arguing that it doesn’t get enough TLC from city officials. And honestly, they might just be right. You’d think after all this time with maps and land-use plans, the importance of this ecological jewel would be crystal clear, but it seems some folks are still trying to play schoolyard bully with our green spaces.
In mid-2022, the local government, led by Mauricio Trejo, attempted to rectify things by officially correcting the coordinates of the Ecological Preservation Zone after some legal tussles brought on by concerned citizens who caught wind of plans to modify this beloved spot for developers’ whims.
As of now, the state is busy renovating a technology school – yes, a three-story behemoth where nature used to thrive – while the local government has been busy throwing in sports fields on protected land. Seriously?!
With the onslaught of urban expansion and the whims of developers, we can see why residents are on edge. Greener pastures may want to start looking over their shoulders, because our beloved Ecological Preservation Zone might just need a little more love and care from those in power.
So, while we cozy up in our own little San Miguel paradise, let’s hope those in charge do the right thing and give this precious ecological zone the respect it deserves. What do you think, folks? Should we be turning up the heat on our local officials to protect our green spaces? Drop your thoughts below! Catch you next time!
Stay cool, San Miguel de Allende!
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