ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The mission team wishes to express its appreciation and gratitude to
the Mexican authorities for having invited this mission and for the warm
welcome to Mexico. The mission in particular thanks the local
communities, living in the vicinity of the World Heritage Site, for
their interest and all the information provided to the mission team.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The mission team highlights articles 4, 5 and 6 of the World Heritage
Convention, and in particular that: "Each State Party to this
Convention recognizes that the duty of ensuring the identification,
protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to future
generations of the cultural and natural heritage....situated on its
territory, belongs primarily to that State. It will do all it can to
this end, to the utmost of its own resources and, where appropriate,
with any international assistance and co-operation, in particular,
financial, artistic, scientific and technical, which it may be able to
obtain."
Following the assessment of the information made available to the
mission team in background documentation, meetings with Government
officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, local
communities and other stakeholders and through observations during a
field visit from 24 to 26 August 1999, the mission team comes to
conclusions and recommendations listed below.
The mission wishes to emphasize the outstanding efforts of the
Mexican Government in protecting the El Vizcaino World Heritage site and
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve through a number of national programmes and
international instruments. El Vizcaino remains an example for both
international co-operation to enhance capacity building and improve
administrative operations, and for facilitating the involvement of local
people through a number of programmes with the 'ejidos' (communally
owned property).
The mission team was impressed by the present condition of the site
as a whole and appreciated the ongoing efforts by local people, the
staff of the Biosphere Reserve, Exportadora de Sal (ESSA) and
governmental regulators to maintain and enhance the integrity of the
site. In particular, the team was reassured about the conservation
status of grey whales and wished to emphasize the importance of Mexico's
demonstrated commitment to population monitoring, scientific research,
and habitat protection for this flagship species of the World Heritage
site.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conservation History
1. The mission recommends that the zoning and sub-zoning of the El
Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve takes account of the World Heritage area.
Management of the property
The mission notes that the Management Plan for the Biosphere Reserve
has been submitted for approval. It strongly recommends that the
authorities prepare a separate management section for the two lagoons,
which compose the World Heritage site. The authorities may wish to
consider a specific request for funding under technical co-operation
from the World Heritage Fund.
The mission welcomes the support from international and bilateral
donor agencies and fully supports the submission of a second phase for
the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project.
The mission acknowledges the efforts of the Mexican Government to
protect the site through multiple international and national agreements
(e.g. Whale Sanctuary, World Heritage designation, UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve). The mission recommends that an integrated planning and
information management system be developed to improve efficiency, reduce
duplication, and ensure compatibility.
Whales
The mission team acknowledges the scientific efforts by Mexico and
other countries to document grey whale population trends, mortality and
calf production, and to investigate causes of mortality. The mission
strongly encourages that this work be continued.
The mission recommends that the World Heritage Committee encourage
other range countries to participate in the conservation efforts to
protect the migratory route and feeding habitat of grey whales.
Salt production
Ojo de Liebre
(Specific recommendations on the existing ESSA facility are directed
at either the company or the government, whichever is appropriate.)
The mission received reports that indicated improvements in the
operations of the existing salt works. The mission invites the State
Party to report on:
Measures to avoid accumulation of brine and its proper management;
Progress towards minimizing noise in and near the lagoon in
accordance with relevant international standards;
Results of the Voluntary Audit;
Evaluation and implementation of approaches to enhancing the
aesthetic quality of the facility, particularly in areas bordering the
lagoon.
San Ignacio
The mission notes that a review of the proposed saltworks at San
Ignacio was not explicitly included in its Terms of Reference because
the project proponent had not yet made its submission to the proper
authorities. Nevertheless, because it was a major issue raised by
government representatives, NGOs, ESSA and members of local governments
and communities during the presentations and site visit, the mission
feels compelled to highlight the following points:
The mission noted the process that is under way for evaluating the
environmental and social risks involved in this project. However, as
indicated above, the results of this process had not been submitted to
the Government of Mexico prior to the mission and therefore no analysis
could be made.
The mission invites the Government of Mexico to take fully into
account the World Heritage values of the site when evaluating the
proposal, which would include not only the population of grey whales and
other wildlife, but also the integrity of the landscape and the
ecosystem.
Sustainable development and tourism
The mission, having met with local tour operators and representatives
from communities, recommends that tourism products and services be
diversified. The mission notes that the Biosphere Reserve, which
includes one cultural and one natural World Heritage site, has great
tourism potential, but that development of this potential has to be
managed carefully.
Recognizing the extraordinary potential of the resources of the site,
an overall strategy for sustainable tourism in the Reserve could be
developed. A comprehensive programme based on experiences gained with
regard to responsible tourism, including whale and bird watching, would
allow a better diversification of tourism services and products with a
high quality environmental image. The mission invites the Government to
consider a specific label of the Biosphere Reserve and the World
Heritage site to characterize such quality.
The mission recommends that the Mexican authorities consider carrying
out a study on the diversification of tourism, which might be funded
from the World Heritage Fund, or through collaboration with the Man and
the Biosphere (MAB) programme.
The mission recommends development by the appropriate authorities of
environmental plans for human settlements in the area, in consultation
with all affected parties.
Considering that a high proportion of the Reserve's value is in the
form of exploitation of fishing resources, the mission recommends that
projects to diversify the fishing sector include the following aspects:
the generation of new activities with a high added value, the promotion
of activities that will tend to redirect effort away from over-exploited
marine species, and the identification of new markets.
OVERALL CONCLUSION
The mission team submits the recommendations above for consideration
by the Mexican authorities and the World Heritage Committee. In
conclusion, the mission team does not consider the World Heritage site
under present circumstances to be in danger, and scientific data show
that the whale population is not endangered and continues to increase.
However, if any significant change to the present situation should
occur, documented by appropriate evidence, the conclusion concerning the
site's status under the World Heritage Convention should be promptly
re-evaluated in co-operation and co-ordination with the State Party, and
appropriate consideration should be given to all relevant Parties and
the World Heritage Committee.
1 BACKGROUND TO THE MISSION
1.1 History of the inscription of the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
on the World Heritage List
The site was originally nominated in 1989 by the Mexican Government
for both its natural and cultural values as the "Reserva del
Vizcaino" (N/C 554). Following an IUCN and ICOMOS evaluation, which
considered there were no functional links between the lagoons and the
rock art sites, the nomination was revised and presented as the natural
site of the "Whales Sanctuary of El Vizcaino" (N 554bis) and
the cultural property of the "Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San
Francisco" (C 714). The World Heritage Committee at its seventeenth
session held in Cartagena/Colombia, 1993, inscribed both properties on
the UNESCO World Heritage List.
1.2 Criteria and World Heritage values
The mission team noted that in the original nomination of El Vizcaino
for the World Heritage list, the Government of Mexico proposed natural
criteria (ii), (iii) and (iv). The IUCN evaluation of October 1993
states: "Within the total area of the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve,
World Heritage values are primarily concentrated in the two nominated
coastal lagoons where the whale breeding and parturition concentrations
occur. Along with the birdlife on the shorelines and enclosed islands,
the lagoons are two areas of international importance that satisfy
natural criterion (iv)." The IUCN report also notes a number of
issues with regard to the conditions of integrity, which will be
referred to in Section 2 of this report.
The World Heritage Committee reviewed the IUCN evaluation and
inscribed the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino on the World Heritage List
under natural criterion (iv)
. The coastal lagoons of Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio are very
important reproduction and wintering sites for the grey whale, and also
provides seasonal or year-round habitat for marine turtles and other
wildlife.
The team noted the decision of the World Heritage Committee to base
the inscription of the site solely on the basis of criterion (iv).
Nevertheless, the team recognized that the site may have also qualified
for inscription under criteria (ii) and (iii). The lagoon ecosystems
have exceptional value for the biological diversity that they support
and ecological services that they provide (criterion ii). The landscapes
bordering Laguna Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio, which include extensive
salitrales (salt barrens), are unique to this portion of the outer coast
of Baja California. The undeveloped, nearly pristine waters and
shoreline of Laguna San Ignacio, in particular, constitute 'superlative
natural features of exceptional beauty' (criterion iii).
1.3 Examination of the State of Conservation by the World Heritage
Committee and its Bureau
The World Heritage Committee reviewed a number of reports on the
state of conservation of the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, during its
nineteenth, twentieth, twenty-first and twenty-second sessions, in 1995,
1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively and the Bureau of the World Heritage
Committee during its nineteenth, twentieth, twenty-first, twenty-second
and twenty-third sessions, in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 . Concerns were
expressed over the plans to build an industrial salt production plant at
San Ignacio. The Government of Mexico provided a report to the
twenty-second extraordinary session of the Bureau held in Kyoto, Japan,
November 1998, which requested the World Heritage Centre to transmit it
to IUCN for review. The Bureau was pleased to note that the State Party,
upon receipt of IUCN's comments on the report, would invite a mission to
the site as soon as possible. The Bureau requested that the mission
should prepare an up-to-date state of conservation report on the Whale
Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, and submit it to the twenty-third session of
the Committee in 1999.
1.4 Justification of the mission
Following the request of the World Heritage Committee, the Bureau of
the World Heritage Committee at its twenty-third session was informed
that the Mexican authorities, via their letter of 7 May 1999, invited
the mission. A meeting between the Delegation of Mexico, the World
Heritage Centre and IUCN took place during the twenty-third session of
the World Heritage Bureau (5 to 10 July 1999) to discuss the Terms of
Reference of the mission (included in Annex 6.1). The multinational and
cross disciplinary mission team was composed of four international and
three national participants from different scientific disciplines. The
List of Participants is included in Annex 6.2 and the programme and
itinerary of the mission is attached as Annex 6.3. The list of
organizations and individuals present at meetings of the mission team is
included as Annex 6.4 and the documents submitted to the mission team as
Annex 6.5.
2 NATIONAL POLICY FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WORLD
HERITAGE PROPERTY
National Legal and Institutional Framework
Mexico has a long history of conservation, which is appropriate in
view of the high biodiversity richness of the country. Mexico is
considered one of the most important centres of mega-diversity in the
world. The first protected area of Mexico was established in 1876 in
Desierto de los Leones. Since that time Mexico has been working to
develop and implement of a number of conservation and sustainable use
programmes. Conservation and sustainable use policies and programmes are
included in the National Development Plan for 1995-2000, which
identifies as a priority the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity in natural protected areas. At present the National System
of Natural Protected Areas consists of 114 protected areas, which
represents approximately 6.2% of the national territory.
The legal framework for conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity in Mexico is the General Law of Ecological Balance and
Protection of the Environment that was adopted in 1995. This law
represents an umbrella for the development and application of other
specific environmental laws and regulations. It includes obligations and
procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and approval of new
investments.
The institution responsible for the application of this law and for
the development, implementation and control of conservation programmes
is the Ministry for Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries
(Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca - SEMARNAP)
created on 28 December 1994. The policy of SEMARNAP is to promote the
integration of natural resource conservation and management under
regional development schemes that can contribute to poverty alleviation
and rural development. SEMARNAP is also responsible for environmental
audits, control and surveillance by the General Attorney for the
Environment (Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente, PROFEPA).
2.2 Protected area legislation and conservation history of the World
Heritage property
The first effort to protect the natural resources of this area was
initiated in 1936 when Mexico and USA signed an agreement for the
protection of migratory birds in the region of El Vizcaino. In 1949
Mexico became part of the International Whaling Commission to manage and
conserve whale populations, including the grey whales.
Federal Decree of 6 December 1971, promulgated on 14 January 1972,
declared Laguna Ojo de Liebre a marine refuge for whales. On 28 March
1980, this Decree was modified to include the lagoons of Manuela and
Guerrero Negro. On 11 September 1972 a Decree established Laguna Ojo de
Liebre and Laguna San Ignacio as refuges for migratory birds and
wildlife. On 16 July 1979, another Decree established Laguna San Ignacio
as a refuge for female grey whales and calves and as a "tourist
attraction zone".
El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, which includes the World Heritage
Site, was approved by the government as a National Biosphere Reserve in
1988 and was internationally recognized as a Biosphere Reserve under
UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme in 1993. Laguna San Ignacio
and Laguna Ojo de Liebre were inscribed in the World Heritage List in
1993.
Ten additional national regulations apply to conservation of the
World Heritage Property, including 131-ECOL- 1998 that strictly
regulates the development of whale watching activities, intended to
protect grey whales and to conserve their habitat. The grey whale has
also been declared by the National Government as a species of National
Conservation Priority, under the National Wildlife Programme. This
provides a conservation status in coastal marine waters of Mexico.
The 1988 Decree that established El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve also
legally established its core and buffer zones, with regulations for the
use of each of these zones. The present zoning represents a potential
problem for conservation of the World Heritage Property, which is
considered under this legislation as part of the buffer zone, thus
allowing sustainable use activities in both Laguna San Ignacio and
Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
Recommendation
The mission recommends that the zoning and sub-zoning of the El
Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve takes account of the World Heritage area.
2.3 Management structure
The Biosphere Reserve of El Vizcaino has a personnel structure which
is composed of 12 professionals and 17 technicians who work in six main
programmes: for the recovery of the peninsular pronghorn, the
sustainable use of bighorn sheep, the conservation of grey whales,
sustainable fisheries, environmental education and environmental impact
assessment.
Concerning the two lagoons, two social surveillance committees have
been established, in co-ordination with the PROFEPA, mainly to mitigate
poaching threats and report unusual observations (e.g. whale strandings,
dead turtles, fish die-offs) in the lagoons. Investigations are carried
out on fisheries capacities, regulations, fishing gears and seasons.
These committees have all the needed infrastructure and financial means
at their disposal and co-operate closely with the local communities.
The infrastructure of the Reserve includes the headquarters office,
two visitor centres under construction, two biological stations, and an
enclosure for a breeding herd of pronghorns, as well as sign posts. The
Reserve is equipped with 13 vehicles, radio transmitters with 400km
reach, and other communication systems as well as computers. The Reserve
has a yearly budgetary envelope of 857,000 US$, broken down by source in
the following table (in US$):
Ford Motor Company
70,000
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
170,000
Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional (AECI)
320,000
SEMARNAP
97,000
Programa de Borrego Cimarron (Bighorn sheep)
200,000
TOTAL
857,000
The Management Plan for the Biosphere Reserve has gone through a
consensus process (Consejo Tecnico Asesor) involving 63 organizations
and has been submitted for approval.
The site benefits from both international donor agencies and national
support, more than any other of the protected areas in Mexico. The first
phase of a GEF project (FANP 1) has been successfully completed and a
monitoring and evaluation system with baseline data for the whole
Reserve is in place. A second phase is under preparation.
El Vizcaino remains an example for both international co-operation to
enhance capacity building and improve administrative operations, and for
the improvement of the involvement of local people through a number of
programmes with the "ejidos" (communally owned properties).
It is important to emphasize that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves perform
very specific functions as expressed in the Seville Strategy adopted in
1995. In this context, the process of planning and management for El
Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve should comply with the Statutory Framework of
the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and "strive to be sites of
excellence to explore and demonstrate approaches to conservation and
sustainable development on a regional scale" (Article 3).
Recommendation
1. The mission notes that the Management Plan for the Biosphere
Reserve has been submitted for approval. It strongly recommends that the
authorities prepare a separate management section for the two lagoons,
which compose the World Heritage site. The authorities may wish to
consider a specific request for funding under technical co-operation
from the World Heritage Fund.
2. The mission welcomes the support from international and bilateral
donor agencies and fully supports the submission of a second phase for
the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project.
3. The mission acknowledges the efforts of the Mexican Government to
protect the site through multiple international and national agreements
(e.g. Whale Sanctuary, World Heritage designation, UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve). The mission recommends that an integrated planning and
information management system be developed to improve efficiency, reduce
duplication, and ensure compatibility.
3 ASSESSMENT OF ISSUES
3.1 Whale population
The grey whale is the only living species in the baleen whale family
Eschrichtiidae. Although in historic times the species occurred on both
sides of the Atlantic Ocean, it had become extinct there by the end of
the 19th century. Only two populations survive, both in the North
Pacific Ocean. The western or Asian population migrates between the Sea
of Okhotsk (summer) and the South China Sea (winter). The eastern or
American stock migrates between the Bering/Chukchi Seas (summer) and the
coast of Baja California (winter). The Asian population is very small
and continues to face serious problems of habitat degradation and
occasional illegal killing. In contrast, the American (Californian)
population has dramatically recovered from the depletion caused by
whaling in the 19th and 20th centuries. It therefore represents the best
hope for the long-term survival of this family of whales, the
Eschrichtiidae.
There are approximately 26,000 grey whales in the eastern Pacific
population today. This population has been increasing at an average rate
of about 2.5% per year since 1967-68. Although the "original"
(pre-commercial exploitation) abundance is uncertain, some authorities
believe that this population is nearing its carrying capacity level and
that the rate of increase is declining. In other words, mortality and
reproduction may be coming close to an equilibrium. During the period of
recovery, the population has been subjected to a certain amount of
continued hunting at the northern end of its range (an average of about
140 grey whales taken per year from 1970-98 in Russia), incidental
mortality in fishing gear and from vessel strikes, disturbance by marine
traffic and industrial activity along the migration route, and exposure
to vessel activity and the salt-mining operations at Guerrero Negro and
Laguna Ojo de Liebre since the 1950s.
In the 1998-99 season (December-May) 114 dead grey whales were
documented along the Mexican coast, giving rise to speculation in the
media about the causes of this exceptionally high mortality. Similarly
high mortality was reported along the American coast during the 1998-99
migration. The strandings in Mexico were scattered in time and space and
therefore were not related to a single 'mortality event' (die-off). An
unusual feature of the 1998-99 mortality was that most of the dead
whales were adult females. Also in this year, grey whales were seen much
farther south along the Mexican coast than is normally the case.
Although several hypotheses have been discussed, no conclusive
explanation has been given for these anomalies in 1998-99 (see Annex
6.6).
There is no recent evidence to suggest that conditions for grey
whales have deteriorated in either Laguna Ojo de Liebre or Laguna San
Ignacio. Strict new measures to reduce the risk of disturbance to the
whales were recently developed and implemented by SEMARNAP, in close
consultation and collaboration with the administration of the Biosphere
Reserve, researchers from universities and federal institutes, and local
tour operators. All human activity, except scientific research under
permit, is banned inside the lagoons during the whale season. Also,
whale watching in the lagoon mouths and elsewhere is strictly regulated.
Protection of the whales and their winter habitat in the lagoons by
Mexico has played a major role in the population's recovery.
Without a formal project proposal and Environmental Impact Statement
from the proponents of the San Ignacio salt production operation, the
Government of Mexico could not provide the documentation needed for
evaluating the potential impact on grey whales. Nevertheless, the
mission took note of the potential problems identified in the Terms of
Reference prepared by the ad hoc International Scientific Committee (see
Annex 6.7). The Government of Mexico has acted responsibly in
establishing a transparent and rigorous process of evaluating the
potential risks of the proposed saltworks at San Ignacio to grey whales
and other marine biota.
The mission noted that there is a large amount of past, ongoing and
planned research on grey whales in Mexico, the United States and Russia.
Co-operation and sharing of information has been increasing both within
Mexico and between Mexico and the other range states. The International
Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee is the forum in which
information is exchanged and research priorities are considered. This
situation offers the opportunity for UNESCO to establish links with
other bodies, notably the International Whaling Commission.
Clarification of other species using the site
In the documentation leading to inscription of this site, reference
has been made to a number of marine species that either do not occur at
all in the lagoons, or that occur there only rarely. The mission
considered it useful to clarify this information in order to prevent
future misunderstanding.
Only two cetacean species regularly inhabit the two lagoons.
Bottlenose dolphins are present year-round and grey whales primarily
during the winter season from January through March. Blue whales do not
visit the lagoons of the Reserve.
Only one species of pinniped, the California sea lion, is a regular
inhabitant of the lagoons. Northern elephant seals occasionally enter
Laguna Ojo de Liebre. Harbor seals do not occur in the lagoons.
Only two species of marine turtle, both endangered, are known to
occur in the lagoons, with the black turtle (Chelonia agasizzi or C.
mydas agasizzi) the more common and the loggerhead turtle (Caretta
caretta) the less common. Their use of the lagoons is thought to be
primarily for feeding. No marine turtles are known to nest on beaches
inside the lagoons.
The lagoons provide habitat for a diverse and abundant avifauna,
including a remarkable density of nesting ospreys at Ojo de Liebre,
peregrine falcons, white and brown pelicans, cormorants, royal eagles,
bald eagles, brant geese and many shorebird species. Small patches of
mangroves exist at San Ignacio, the northern limit for these
ecologically important plants on the west coast of North America.
Recommendations
The mission team acknowledges the scientific efforts by Mexico and
other countries to document grey whale population trends, mortality and
calf production, and to investigate causes of mortality. The mission
strongly encourages that this work be continued.
The mission recommends that the World Heritage Committee encourage
other range countries to participate in the conservation efforts to
protect the migratory route and feeding habitat of grey whales.
3.2 SALT PRODUCTION IN THE EL VIZCAINO RESERVE
First and foremost, it must be stated in general terms, that the
production or cultivation of salt in wetlands and coastal lagoon systems
constitutes one of the most well-integrated and best-adapted of all
human activities that involve these environments. Manipulation of the
stagnant areas through dikes to help mould the solar salt concentrating
ponds results in a set of thin sheets of water, which almost always
possess extraordinary value for avifauna. The solar evaporation salt
flats usually embrace an ecosystem of surprising wealth and beauty.
Nonetheless, it is also necessary to state that all saltworks
comprise two distinct areas: the cultivation areas, and the industrial
areas, wherein the salt is processed, stored and transported.
The saltworks in the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve represent a
phenomenon of great magnitude, extending over a very large area, with
characteristics that demand specific treatment. These saltworks are
unique in that they border and partially fall within a maritime-coastal
region that has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Of the salt industry in the area of the reserve, two completely
different situations must be addressed in evaluating the development
even though only a single business group is involved. The first
situation pertains to the saltworks at Guerrero Negro, affecting both
Laguna Ojo de Liebre and Laguna Guerrero Negro, while the second
pertains to a proposed new saltworks complex at Laguna San Ignacio. The
World Heritage site consists of both lagoons (see Annex 6.8).
THE OJO DE LIEBRE LAGOON
THE GUERRERO NEGRO SALTWORKS
Description : The Guerrero Negro saltworks unfold over a vast area of
the perimeter of Laguna Ojo de Liebre. With its 30,000 hectares of
concentration ponds and 3,000 of crystallizing ponds, it heads the list
in world production: 7.5 million metric tons per year. This figure
represents 35% of present world production of 22 million metric tons of
evaporated marine salt. This is, therefore, a truly unique saltworks,
bearing in mind that other comparable saltworks in Australia do not
exceed 2 million metric tons in annual production. Moreover, the other
great saltworks of recent times, such as those in San Francisco and on
the Mediterranean coast, do not exceed 1 million metric tons of annual
production. Scale is therefore a critical factor when evaluating the
environmental compatibility and integration of this industry with this
particular environment.
Salt production in Guerrero Negro began in 1954, that is to say,
nearly 40 years before the region was included on the World Heritage
List (1993) and in the Biosphere Reserve Network (1993), and 34 years
before being declared a national Biosphere Reserve (1988). The
exploitation of salt at Laguna Ojo de Liebre and Guerrero Negro was
clearly a pre-existing condition during the environmental evaluation
processes that led to these declarations.
Evaluation: The saltworks possesses undeniable social and economic
value in the El Vizcaino region. A substantial portion of the regional
economy is linked to this industry. As is true of most evaporative
saltworks, its mere presence provides an outstanding refuge for
avifauna, and constitutes a relatively low-impact way of using the land
productively.
Also, however, there are environmental costs and risks associated
with the saltworks and its related infrastructure. Responsible public
officials and the company itself have demonstrated their awareness of
the environmental risks and they have taken preventive and corrective
measures to account for them.
For the most part, the problems detected and the risk factors are
centred around the operation in the industrial phase of the saltworks
complex, specifically: the generation of brine, washing, noise,
transportation and associated infrastructure.
Generation of Brine
Following the crystallization of the salt, the resulting brine must
be disposed of. The brine is hyper-saline water, highly concentrated in
magnesium and bromide salts. Approximate figures for this exploitation
yield a volume of approximately 3 million square meters per year, using
the average residual amount of 10 centimetres on the surface of the
crystallizer. Brine waters can, from time to time, be re-utilized to
extract more salt. The company has foreseen such re-utilization and
expects it to increase the production by 1.5 million metric tons.
Nevertheless, in the best-case scenario, this re-utilization process can
only be done once, after which the remaining brine must be completely
disposed of.
The once-proposed solution of building a huge pond of accumulated
brine has been judged non-viable on environmental grounds. Any breaching
of the dikes would constitute a wholly unacceptable risk to the lagoon.
In conventional smaller saltworks, the bittern brine generally is not
a focal source of pollution. When bitterns are disposed in open seas in
significantly lower volumes than that produced by this saltworks, they
are rapidly diluted, without affecting marine life at all. Therefore,
brine constitutes a particular risk factor in this instance primarily
because of the scale involved.
ESSA has been aware of this risk and has proposed a technical
solution that consists of installing a system of diffusers to control
dilution of the effluents near the mouth of Laguna Guerrero Negro, to
the north of the complex and away from the Laguna Ojo de Liebre (at a
rate of 1:100 approximately). A solution to avoid any risk of discharges
into the lagoon is fundamental to guarantee the conservation of the area
and its values.
2. Washing
The salt washing process also generates vast amounts of gypsum. This
by-product is stored at an adjoining facility, and subsequently used in
maintenance of roads and dikes. This does not represent any pollution
threat.
3. Noise
The continuous pumping of seawater into Laguna Ojo de Liebre into the
concentration ponds is carried out through a pumping unit located at the
south end of the lagoon. The pumped volume reaches an average of 15
cubic meters per second. The diesel pumps used for the pumping generate
a certain constant amount of noise in the surrounding environment.
The effects of this noise on lagoon animals, including grey whales,
have not been studied in detail. In considering the issue of impacts of
noise on whales, International Whaling Commissions (IWC) Scientific
Committees standing Working Group on Environmental Concerns observed at
its 1999 meeting that the risks associated with noise can not be easily
quantified for most species at present. The working group also noted,
however, that it was precautionary to reduce the exposure of mothers,
calves and breeding animals to noise as much as possible (see Annex
6.6).
4. Transportation
The salt is loaded onto barges with a capacity of 6000 metric tons,
and sent toward the neighboring island of Cedros, a distance of 100
kilometers. At this latter site a storage plant has been established, as
well as an unloading pier with a capacity to accommodate vessels of more
than 100,000 metric tons. This process entails continual traffic of
barges along the northern border of the lagoon. However, it has been
determined that there is no noticeable effect on the grey whale,
according to testimony received.
5. Industrial Area and associated infrastructure
The industrial portion of the saltworks complex covers a surface of
approximately 1,000 hectares (4% of the whole area), including piling
area, workshops, services, pier, electrical centre and washing area.
ESSA has acceded to a Voluntary Audit by the Government of Mexico,
which cites 298 observations requiring improvements in the environmental
management of productive processes remediation. Of this number, 79
related to environmental risk issues and of these 4 were considered
significant.
Aside from the saltworks activity per se, it is important to
highlight the urban development of Guerrero Negro which has resulted
from the presence of the saltworks. It is extremely important to develop
an environmental strategy for managing the impacts of Guerrero Negro's
growth on the surrounding wildlife, other natural resources and
landscape. The generation of waste, residual waters and general
infrastructure are factors to consider in protecting the ecological
integrity of Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
Recommendations
Ojo de Liebre
(Specific recommendations on the existing ESSA facility are directed
at either the company or the government, whichever is appropriate.)
The mission received reports that indicated improvements in the
operations of the existing saltworks. The mission invites the State
Party to report on:
Measures to avoid accumulation of brine and its proper management;
Progress towards minimizing noise in and near the lagoon in
accordance with relevant international standards;
Results of the Voluntary Audit;
Evaluation and implementation of approaches to enhancing the
aesthetic quality of the facility, particularly in areas bordering the
lagoon.
LAGUNA DE SAN IGNACIO PROJECT
ESSA has proposed to establish a new saltworks complex on the salt
flats around Laguna San Ignacio.
This represents a radically different situation from that at Guerrero
Negro, at least from the perspective of preserving the values and
integrity of the World Heritage site. The new saltworks complex would be
of similar magnitude and extent (7 million metric tons of production
foreseen) to that of Guerrero Negro and it would involve the development
of land that is included within the World Heritage site. The saltworks
would border Laguna San Ignacio, which is a Whale Sanctuary.
The proposal to develop new saltworks in the salitrales of San
Ignacio implies a large-scale transformation of the landscape, directly
affecting some 30.000 ha. (ESSA presentation of 24 August 1999). This
would constitute a substantial and significant change from the current
condition of the site. The magnitude of this operation is reflected in
the following data, supplied by the project's proponents:
Creation of 26,500 hectares of concentrating ponds in the San Ignacio
salt flats, partially located inside the World Heritage site.
Construction of 2,700 hectares of crystallizers at the edge of the
lagoon.
Construction of the industrial complex and associated residences.
Construction of a conveyor belt covering 5 kilometers, reaching the
new port facilities.
Construction and development of a loading pier of 2.3 kilometers, in
the vicinity of Punta Abreojos, with capacity to handle large vessels (6
km to the west of the lagoon).
Ex novo implementation of all basic infrastructure, such as water and
electricity. In sum, the electrical routing requires over 60 kilometers.
The construction works would span a period of approximately 10 years.
Roughly thirty percent of the projected saltworks is located within
the area designated a World Heritage site.
The project would be developed in an area presently dominated by a
fishing economy and which has a modest amount of eco-tourism.
It is important to consider the social and demographic implications
of the project. As has occurred with Guerrero Negro town, it is
reasonable to anticipate population growth of considerable scale.
Immigration will certainly take place as a consequence of the new
development. These factors would have an impact on the conservation of
the area's natural resources. It is important that these impacts be
evaluated scientifically and mitigated as appropriate.
The new project would clearly bring major changes to the land
surrounding Laguna San Ignacio, which is currently the best preserved
(i.e. most nearly pristine) lagoon system in Baja California. Though
salt ponds themselves constitute a relatively low impact use of the
environment, the associated installations (industrial area,
infrastructure, and pier) would involve a major changes to the land
inside and near the World Heritage site. At least a part of the area
would be transformed into urban and industrial land.
Recommendations
San Ignacio
The mission notes that a review of the proposed saltworks at San
Ignacio was not explicitly included in its Terms of Reference because
the project proponent had not yet made its submission to the proper
authorities. Nevertheless, because it was a major issue raised by
government representatives, NGOs, ESSA and members of local governments
and communities during the presentations and site visit, the mission
feels compelled to highlight the following points:
a) The mission noted the process that is under way for evaluating the
environmental and social risks involved in this project. However, as
indicated above, the results of this process had not been submitted to
the Government of Mexico prior to the mission and therefore no analysis
could be made.
b) The mission invites the Government of Mexico to take fully into
account the World Heritage values of the site when evaluating the
proposal, which would include not only the population of grey whales and
other wildlife, but also the integrity of the landscape and the
ecosystem.
Sustainable development, including social aspects, fisheries and
tourism
The mission observed that important efforts have been made since 1996
to preserve the values of the Biosphere Reserve and particularly the
World Heritage site. Some of the programs, demonstration projects and
actions are in fact oriented towards community-based sustainable
development, and involve conservation, management and use of natural
resources. Most of these are focused on the conservation of key species
based on an operative and programmatic plan, which was achieved by
consensus of more than 60 organizations. The large extent of the area
(2, 546, 746 ha) and the complexity of the issues have not prevented the
successful management of this important Biosphere Reserve. Financial and
technical advice is constantly being sought.
Conservation priorities emphasize both the environment as a whole and
emblematic species (e.g. the grey whale, the pronghorn, the bighorn
sheep and fisheries within the zone). It was noted that a more detailed
design for the inter-connections among the existing elements is needed.
The main productive activities are focused on eco-tourism during the
winter season, fishing and salt production. There is potential to
develop bird watching, visits to the salt production facilities, sport
fishing, kayaking, hiking, and visiting cultural sites such as the rock
art and cave paintings at the Sierra de San Francisco, also a World
Heritage site, and improve cultural and environmental education (e.g.
school programmes, museums). To the extent that any of these activities
are already being pursued, they are nevertheless either incipient or
underdeveloped.
Efforts are being made to ensure that have tourism developed in a
responsible manner, and in this context attention should be given to the
recent regulations on whale watching activities (see section 3.1).
Fishing activities in the World Heritage site are concentrated at
present focused to a variety of clams, lobster, crabs, shrimp and
several fish species. These fisheries are subject to management by the
national fisheries in co-operation with the Biosphere Reserve and local
fishermen co-operatives. Cropping of algae and cultivating of oysters in
the estuaries are additional production activities in the site.
Improvement of the communities' organization is being achieved through
social committees.
The use of a label indicating that products originated from a World
Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve would be one way of adding value to
such products.
Recommendation
The mission, having met with local tour operators and representatives
from communities, recommends that tourism products and services be
diversified. The mission notes that the Biosphere Reserve, which
includes one cultural and one natural World Heritage site, has great
tourism potential, but that development of this potential has to be
managed carefully.
Recognizing the extraordinary potential of the resources of the site,
an overall strategy for sustainable tourism in the Reserve could be
developed. A comprehensive programme based on experiences gained with
regard to responsible tourism, including whale and bird watching, would
allow a better diversification of tourism services and products with a
high quality environmental image. The mission invites the Government to
consider a specific label of the Biosphere Reserve and the World
Heritage site to characterize such quality.
The mission recommends that the Mexican authorities consider carrying
out a study on the diversification of tourism, which might be funded
from the World Heritage Fund, or through collaboration with the Man and
the Biosphere (MAB) programme.
The mission recommends development by the appropriate authorities of
environmental plans for human settlements in the area, in consultation
with all affected parties.
Considering that a high proportion of the Reserve's value is in the
form of exploitation of fishing resources, the mission recommends that
projects to diversify the fishing sector include the following aspects:
the generation of new activities with a high added value, the promotion
of activities that will tend to redirect effort away from over-exploited
marine species, and the identification of new markets.
3.4 Conditions of integrity
According to the criteria for inclusion of natural properties in the
World Heritage List, sites nominated should fulfill the conditions of
integrity under article 44 (b) of the Operational Guidelines for the
Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. This implies the
fulfillment of the conditions of integrity at the time of inscription
and the need to ensure the their long-term maintenance to ensure the
conservation of the site. It also implies that conditions of integrity
need to be considered for the site as a whole and not only in relation
to particular species or groups of species. For the El Vizcaino World
Heritage site these conditions need to be maintained for the two areas
inscribed as one under a single nomination: Laguna San Ignacio and
Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
Considering that this site was inscribed under criterion (iv) of
article 44 (a), as containing the most important and significant natural
habitats for in situ conservation, the application of the conditions of
integrity goes beyond the maintenance of the grey whale population.
Conditions of integrity have to ensure the conservation of the natural
habitats contained in this World Heritage site as a requirement for
ensuring the conservation of the species dependent upon these habitats.
When reviewing both areas as a single World Heritage site, it is
important to recognize that under the present circumstances the
conditions of integrity have been maintained and a number of
recommendations from IUCN at the time of inscription regarding
management actions have been implemented. This should be acknowledged as
demonstrating the strong commitment of the Mexican government regarding
the protection of the site. The company operating the saltworks at
Guerrero Negro (Laguna Ojo de Liebre) must also be acknowledged for
dedicating resources to greening their industrial activities based on
the recommendations of the environmental audit by PROFEPA.
This World Heritage site as a whole retains its quality and
significance as a largely natural habitat, thus fulfilling the criteria
and conditions of integrity for which it was inscribed in 1993. In
evaluating the site as a whole, the existing saltworks directly occupies
less than 10% of the area of the Ojo de Liebre portion of the World
Heritage site. The mission team concludes that, at present, Laguna San
Ignacio is in relatively pristine condition. Activities such as
artisanal fishing and whale watching have been developed using
environmental criteria as well as local knowledge, and thus are
contributing to the protection of the site.
The mission officially received information, through presentations by
both the salt company (ESSA) and the scientific group carrying out the
EIA, concerning plans by ESSA to establish a new salt work facility in
Laguna San Ignacio. Such a project could threaten the conditions of
integrity of the site. The mission noted that the EIA for this project
is currently under preparation and will be, once finalized, submitted to
the relevant authorities. At present, no decision has been taken related
to this proposal.
According to the information received, such a project would imply the
transformation of a large area inside the World Heritage boundaries of
Laguna San Ignacio for the construction of evaporation and
crystallization ponds. The mission questioned whether this would comply
with condition of integrity 44 (b) (iv). The mission in particular
discussed the secondary impacts of such a project (condition of
integrity 44 (b) (vi)), with the effects of human encroachment and
impacts of resource use, waste disposal, pollution and other aspects.
4 ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE SITE
On the basis of the information submitted to the mission team,
presented during meetings with a variety of individual citizens and
institutional representatives (see Annex 6.4), and obtained during the
site visit, factors affecting the property can be summarized as follows:
Incidental and localized pollution related to the saltworks in Laguna
Ojo de Liebre, as described in the report on the environmental audit to
ESSA prepared by PROFEPA. Most of the problems identified by PROFEPA
have been addressed but the company is still working to improve its
operations so to minimize the risk of impacts to this lagoon.
Lack of an environmental plan for the town of Guerrero Negro that
includes recommendations for wastewater management and waste disposal.
Localized pollution related to the lack of sanitary infrastructure in
new small settlements in the coastal areas. The effects of this
pollution are undocumented but represent a potential threat to the
long-term integrity of the site.
Illegal fisheries in the two lagoons and in coastal waters of the
World Heritage site. This threat is decreasing due to the control and
surveillance committees established by local fishermen groups in both
Laguna San Ignacio and Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
In Laguna San Ignacio the mission team observed the dirt tracks,
towers for geodesic surveys, and core samples for soil and geological
studies related to the feasibility studies for the proposed saltworks
project.
The lack of a specific long-term management plan for the World
Heritage site is a problem. However, the site is well managed and
protected by using operational short-term management measures under the
framework of the management plan prepared for El Vizcaino Biosphere
Reserve.
CONCLUSIONS
The mission team received an enormous amount of written documentation
and consulted extensively - within the time constraints of the mission -
with Government representatives, NGOs and local stakeholders.
The issues were found to be extremely complex and could certainly not
be reduced to a concern about one species (e.g. grey whales) or a single
incident (e.g. brine spill). In fact, the team specifically considered a
variety of issues including the management structure, the integrity of
the site, status of the whale population, salt production, sustainable
use and tourism.
The World Heritage area, composed of the two lagoons Ojo de Liebre
and San Ignacio, retains its quality and significance as a largely
natural habitat and fulfils the criteria and conditions of integrity for
which it was inscribed in 1993.
The mission team notes that the proposed new saltworks at Laguna San
Ignacio would transform the landscape of a large area near and partially
inside the World Heritage site. Also, there are concerns about the
potential environmental and socio-economic effects, which the mission
team notes are being comprehensively and responsibly evaluated and
considered within an EIA process by the Government of Mexico.
Finally, the mission team concludes that the World Heritage site
under present circumstances is not in danger, and scientific data show
that the whale population is not endangered and continues to increase.
However, if any significant change to the present situation should
occur, documented by appropriate evidence, the conclusion concerning the
site's status under the World Heritage Convention should be promptly
re-evaluated in co-operation and co-ordination with the State Party, and
appropriate consideration should be given to all relevant Parties and
the World Heritage Convention.
ANNEXES
ANNEX 6.1 Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference of the mission to the Whale Sanctuary of El
Vizcaino (Mexico)
Goals and objectives of the mission:
Obtain a balanced evaluation of the state of conservation of the
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino World Heritage site based on available
information, scientific evidence, and consultation with relevant
organizations.
Review of the information on the saline operation and determine and
describe any actual threat to the World Heritage values of the Whale
Sanctuary of El Vizcaino.
Prepare practical recommendations based on a synthesis of results
from (a) and (b), to be presented to the Mexican Government and to the
UNESCO World Heritage Committee and its Bureau (November/December 1999).
ANNEX 6.2 Mission team
International participants
Dr. Mechtild Rössler (Team leader)
Geographer, Programme Specialist for natural heritage and cultural
landscapes, responsible officer for the Americas, UNESCO World Heritage
Centre;
Dr. Pedro Rosabal
IUCN Protected Areas Programme, specialist in landscape ecology and
regional planning;
Dr. Randall Reeves
Specialist in marine mammals, Chairperson of the IUCN Species
Survival Commission (SSC) Cetacean Specialist Group;
Dr. Cipriano Marin
Vice-Secretary General of INSULA/Man and the Biosphere (MAB),
Secretary General of the World Conference on Sustainable Tourism;
Specialist in salt production;
National Participants
Dr. Lorenzo Rojas, Head of the National Marine Mammals Programme of
Mexico in Baja California, Instituto Nacional de la Pesca, Biologist;
M.C. Hector Perez-Cortez, Regional Coordinator of the National Marine
Mammals Programme in Baja California Sur, Instituto Nacional de la
Pesca, Biologist ;
Victor Sanchez, Biologist, Director of the El Vizcaino Biosphere
Reserve, Instituto Nacional de Ecologia.
ANNEX 6.3 Itinerary and Programme
PROGRAMA DE TRABAJO DE LA MISIÓN DE LA UNESCO
22 de Agosto
Tarde Llegada a la Ciudad de México.
Hospedaje en el Hotel Sevilla Palace,
Paseo de la Reforma No. 105.
Tel. 5 - 705-28-00
23 de Agosto
08:45 a 9:00 hrs. Traslado a la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores
09:00 a 12:30 hrs. Reunión de la Misión con funcionarios de
SEMARNAP, SECOFI, SEP y SRE. (Sala Magna)
Presentación sobre el desarrollo de la Misión
Revisión y Aprobación del Programa de Trabajo
Presentación de las Políticas y Programas Nacionales:
Política y Estrategia de SEMARNAP: Lic. Enrique Provencio
Área Naturales Protegidas en México: Biól. David Gutiérrez
Carbonell
Cumplimiento de la Ley y Auditorias Ambientales: Mtro. Antonio Azuela
12:30 a 12:45 hrs. Receso
12:45 a 14:15 hrs. Reunión con Organizaciones No Gubernamentales.
(Sala Magna ó Sala 3)
14:15 a 14:30 hrs. Receso
14:30 a 16:30 hrs. Comida que ofrece a la Misión la Emb. Carmen
Moreno de Del Cueto, Subsecretaria para Naciones Unidas, Africa y Medio
Oriente. Invitados: representantes de instituciones gubernamentales,
ONG's y del sector privado. (Salón de Recepciones de la Cancillería)
17:00 hrs. La Oficina de la UNESCO en México distribuye a la prensa
una Declaración escrita de la Misión.
17:00 a 18:15 Reunión de Coordinación Interna de la Misión.
19:45 hrs. Salida a la Ciudad de Hermosillo, Sonora
Hospedaje en el Hotel Araiza
24 de agosto
08:30 a 10:00 hrs. Traslado de Hermosillo a Guerrero Negro
10:00 a 10:20 hrs. Traslado e instalación en el Hotel La Pinta
10:20 a 10:30 hrs. Traslado del Hotel a ESSA
10:30 a 14:00 hrs. Visita a las Instalaciones de la Exportadora de
Sal, S. A.
Presentación sobre aspectos oceanográficos de la Laguna de San
Ignacio
14:00 a 15:30 hrs. Comida de trabajo. Revisión de Aspectos
Metodológicos del Estudio de Impacto Ambiental. (Restaurante Mal
Arrimo)
16:00 a las 19:00 hrs. Revisión y Cotejo de las Evidencias
Científicas:
Conservación y Manejo de REBIVI: Biól. Víctor Sánchez
Estado de Conservación de la Ballena Gris: M. en C. Héctor Pérez
Estado de Conservación de otras Especies de Flora y Fauna en el
Sitio: Biól. Humberto Berlanga
19:00 a 20:00 hrs. Receso
20:00 a 22:00 hrs. Cena en el Restaurante Mal Arrimo
25 de Agosto
07:00 a 8:00 hrs. Desayuno en el Hotel La Pinta
08:00 a 8:30 hrs. Salida de Guerrero Negro a la Laguna Ojo de Liebre
08:30 a 10:30 hrs. Recorrido en la laguna Ojo de Liebre
10:30 a 11:00 hrs. Traslado a Guerrero Negro.
11:00 a 12:30 hrs. Reunión con prestadores de servicios turísticos
y el Comité de Turismo. (Restaurante Mal Arrimo)
12:45 a 15:30 hrs. Aplicación de la Ley, PROFEPA: Subprocurador
Víctor Ramírez. (Restaurante Mal Arrimo)
15:30 a 16:00 hrs. Reunión con representantes de la Alianza de los
Pueblos Y Ejidos Sudcalifornianos.
16:00 a 17:30 hrs. Comida de Trabajo. Presentación del Emb. Alberto
Székely Asesor Jurídico de la Coalición Internacional para la Defensa
de la Laguna de San Ignacio.
17:30 a 18:30 hrs. Proyectos de Cooperación Internacional, Araucaria
y FMCN. (Restaurante Mal Arrimo)
17:30 a 17:45 hrs. Traslado al Hotel La Pinta
26 de agosto
07:00 a 7:30 hrs. Desayuno en el Hotel La Pinta (Entrega de equipaje,
el personal de apoyo se encargará de él hasta su documentación en el
Aeropuerto de La Paz)
07:30 a 07:45 Traslado al Aeropuerto de Guerrero Negro
07:45 a 08:15 hrs. Traslado a Punta Abreojos.
08:15 a 9:30 hrs. Entrevista con pobladores de Punta Abreojos.
09:45 a 10:15 hrs. Traslado al pueblo de San Ignacio
10:30 a 12:00 hrs. Reunión con organizaciones de pescadores y el
Comité de Pesca en San Ignacio. (Hotel La Pinta)
12:00 a 14:00 hrs. Salida a la Ciudad de La Paz. (Comida durante el
vuelo)
14:30 a 15: 00 hrs. Reunión con el Ejecutivo Estatal.
15:00 a 16:00 hrs. Reunión con las Fracciones Parlamentarias del
Congreso Estatal.
16:30 a 20:20 hrs. Traslado a la Ciudad de México. (Aeroméxico,
vuelo 435)
20:20 a 21:00 hrs. Llegada al Hotel Sevilla Palace
27 de Agosto
8:45 a 9:30 hrs. Traslado del Hotel Sevilla Palace a la Secretaría
de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca (SEMARNAP)
9:30 a 10:30 hrs. Reunión de la Misión con Miembros de la Comisión
de la H. Cámara de Diputados. (Sala de Usos Múltiples de SEMARNAP).
10:30 a 10:45 hrs. Receso
10:45 a 14:00 hrs. Reunión de Trabajo de la Misión. (Sala de Usos
Múltiples de SEMARNAP).
14:00 a 15:30 hrs. Comida ofrecida por la PROFEPA (Restaurante La
Cava)
16:00 a 18:00 hrs. Reunión de Trabajo de la Misión. (Sala de Usos
Múltiples de SEMARNAP).
18:00 a 22:40 hrs. Reunión de Trabajo con funcionarios del Grupo
Intersecretarial. (Sala de Usos Múltiples de SEMARNAP).
Annex 6.4 List of organizations and individuals present at meetings
of the mission team
(a) Meeting with non-governmental organizations on 23 August 1999
Alberto Székely
Abogado de la Coalición Internacional para la Defensa de la Laguna
Andrés Rosental
Coordinador de la CDLSI (Coalición para la defensa de Laguna San
Ignacio).
Jared Blumenfeld
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Jacob Scherr
NRDC (Nature Resources Defense Council)
Patricia Martínez Ríos
Proesteros
José de Jesús Varela
NCPA, Ejido Luis Echeverria Alvarez, Kuyima, Laguna Baja California
Sur A.C.
José Warman
Espacios Naturales y Desarrollo Sostenible AC
Cesar Rafael Chávez
Conservation International México, A.C.
Juan Carlos Barrera Guevara
World Wildlife Fund, México, A.C.
José G. Macklish Gomez
Consejo Ciudadano de Guerrero Negro, A.C.
J. Alvaro Miranda Alvarado
Consejo Ciudadano de Guerrero Negro, A.C.
Flavio Cházaro Ramírez
PRONATURA A.C.
Lorenzo Rosenzwieg
Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (FMCN)
Enrique Beltrán G.
IMERNAR (Instituto Mexicano de Recursos Naturales Renovables
Claudia Macias PérezTejada
IMERNAR (Instituto Mexicano de Recursos Naturales Renovables
Patricio Robles Gil
Unidos Para La Conservación
Carlos Manterola
Unidos Para La Conservación A.C.
Martha Delgado
Unión de Grupos Ambientalistas, I.A.P.
(b) Lista de functionarios participantes, reunion Matutina, Agosto
23, 1999
Enrique Provencio, Presidente del Instituto Nacional de Ecología,
SEMARNAP
Dámaso Luna Corona, Director General de Medio Ambiente y Recursos
Naturales, SRE
Antonio Azuela, Procurador Federal de Protección al Ambiente,
PROFEPA
Jorge Nieto, Representante de la UNESCO en México
Sofía Leticia Morales, Directora General de Asuntos Internacionales,
SEP
José Luis Samaniego, Titular de la Coordinación de Asuntos
Internacionales, SEMARNAP
José Sánchez Gutiérrez, Representante Alterno de México ante la
UNESCO
Hector Valezzi Zafra, Director General de Organismos Internacionales
Especializados, SRE
Víctor Sánchez, Director de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno
Francisca Méndez, Directora de Recursos Naturales, SRE
Oscar Ramírez Flores, Director General de Investigación en Procesos
para el Desarrollo Sustentable, INP
Leonardo Ortiz Villacorta, Director de Información Internacional,
SRE
Lorenzo Rojas Bracho, Coordinador del Programa Nacional de Mamíferos
Marinos, INP
María Teresa Bandala Medina, Directora de Medio Ambiente, SRE
Hector Pérez Cortes, Coordinador regional del Programa Nacional de
Mamíferos Marinos, INP
Víctor Ramírez, Subprocurador de Recursos Naturales, PROFEPA
Miguel Angel Cáceres C., Director de Organismos Especializados, SRE
Ricardo Belmontes, Director de Política y Acuerdos Pesqueros
Internacionales, SEMARNAP
Hugo Guzmán, Director General de Acuerdos y Cooperación
Internacional, SEMARNAP
(c) Listado de Asistencia a las reuniones en Guerrero Negro, B.C.S.,
agosto 24 y 25, 1999
Funcionarios del Gobierno Federal:
Javier Medina (SECOFI)
José Sánchez (SRE)
Dámaso Luna (SRE)
José Luis Samaniego (SEMARNAP)
Alejandra Nuñez (SEMARNAP)
David Gutiérrez (INE)
Oscar Ramírez (INP)
Salvador Musalem (SECOFI)
Leonardo Ortiz (SRE)
Manuel Escorza (UNESCO MEXICO)
Agosto 24, 1999
Ing. Juan I. Bremer Director General ESSA
B. Le Boeuf UCSC
Ing. Joaquín Ardura Director Administrativo ESSA
Juan Antonio Flores Investigación y desarrollo ESSA
Edmundo Elorduy Director Técnico ESSA
Dr. Clinton Wiant SCRIPPS
Dr. Paul Dayton SCRIPPS
M.C. Jorge Urban UABCS. IWC
M.C. Antonio Navarro UABCS
Dr. Enrique Ongay UABCS
Alfredo Bermudez PROFEPA
Humberto Berlanga INE
Agosto 25, 1999
Consejo Ciudadano de Guerrero Negro:
Leonor Cota
Mercedes Mesa
Martha Delgado
Armando Hernández
Humberto Ibarra
Erik García
Antonio Ceseña
Rodolfo Garaizar
Lic. Héctor Herrera ESSA
Alberto Zsekely Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental
Alfredo Bermudez PROFEPA
Laguna Ojo de Liebre:
*Malarrimo Eco-tours
Enrique Achoy Lopez
Enrique Achoy Cota.
*Laguna Tours
Beatriz Bremer
*Mario´s Tours
Mario Maya Abarca
Ejido Benito Juárez
Martín Muñoz Moran
ONG. Festival Cultural de la Ballena Gris A.C.
Lic. María del Carmen Trujillo Dorantes
Laguna San Ignacio:
**Kuyima Servicios Ecoturisticos
José de Jesus Varela Glavan.
**Bioparque Marino Rancho San Cristobal
Jorge Alberto Peón Rico.
**Laguna Whale Watching
Francisco Mayoral Gonzalez.
**Jorge Fischer Romero.
**Romualdo Fischer Liera
**Antonio Aguilar Osuna.
**Raul Eduardo López Gongora.
**Eduardo Sedano Moya.
Victor Ramirez Subprocurador de la PROFEPA.
*integrantes de la ONG Unión Protectora Ecoturistica de la Biosfera
del Vizcaíno A.C.
** Integrantes de la ONG Laguna Baja California Sur A.C.
(d) Functionarios del estado de baja california sur participantes en
la reunión del 26 Agosto 1999 por la tarde
Leonel Cota Montaño, Gobernador del Estado de B.C.S.
Rodimiro Amaya Téllez, Secretario General de Gobierno
Jesús Druk González, Secretario de Finanzas
Benito Murillo Aguilar, Presidente de la Gran Comisión del Congreso
del Estado.
Siria Verdugo Davis, Presidenta de la Comisión de Ecología del
Congreso del Estado.
Víctor Martínez Escobar, Diputado, Partido Acción Nacional
Pedro Osuna, Diputado, Partido de la Revolución Democrática
Juan Sánchez, Diputado, Partido Revolucionario Institucional
César Uzcanga, Diputado, Partido del Trabajo
(e) funcionarios participantes el 27 Agosto 1999
José Luis Samaniego, Titular de la Coordinación de Asuntos
Internacionales, SEMARNAP
Javier Medina, Director General de Enlace con el Congreso, SECOFI
Dámaso Luna Corona, Director General de Medio Ambiente y Recursos
Naturales, SRE
José Sánchez Gutiérrez, Representante Alterno de México ante la
UNESCO
Miguel Angel Cáceres C., Director de Organismos Especializados, SRE
Oscar Ramírez Flores, Director General de Investigación en Procesos
para el Desarrollo Sustentable, INP
David Gutiérrez Carbonel, Director General de Conservación y Manejo
de ANP'S
ANNEX 6.5 List of documents submitted to the mission team
DECRETOS DE PROTECCION
DECRETO por el que se declara la reserva de la biosfera "El
Vizcaíno", ubicado en el Municipio de Mulegé, BCS. - Diario
Oficial noviembre de 1988.
DECRETO por el que se modifica el diverso de 6 de diciembre de 1971,
declarándose como zona de refugio para ballenas y ballenatos las aguas
del complejo Laguna Ojo de Liebre, ubicados en Baja California Sur. -
Diario Oficial marzo de 1980.
DECRETO por el que se declara como refugio para ballenas grávidas y
ballenatos y zona de atracción Turística-Marítima, las aguas de la
zona interior de la Laguna de San Ignacio, en el Estado de Baja
California Sur. - Diario Oficial julio de 1979.
DECRETO que declara zona de refugio para ballenas y ballenatos, las
aguas del área de la Laguna Ojo de Liebre al sur de la Bahía de
Sebastián Vizcaíno, en el litoral del Océano Pacífico territorio de
Baja California. - Diario Oficial enero de 1972.
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS.
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-004-PESC-1993, para regular el
aprovechamiento de la almeja catarina, en aguas de jurisdicción federal
de los estados de Baja California y Baja California Sur. Diario Oficial
diciembre 1993.
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-005-PESC-1993, para regular el
aprovechamiento de las poblaciones de las distintas especies de abulón
en aguas de jurisdicción federal de la Península de Baja California.
Diario Oficial diciembre 1993.
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-006-PESC-1993, para regular el
aprovechamiento de todas las especies de langosta en las aguas de
jurisdicción federal del Golfo de México y Mar Caribe, así como del
Océano Pacífico incluyendo el Golfo de California. Diario Oficial
diciembre 1993.
MODIFICACION a la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-006-PESC-1993, Para
regular el aprovechamiento de todas las especies de langosta en las
aguas de jurisdicción federal del Golfo de México y Mar Caribe, así
como del Océano Pacífico incluyendo el Golfo de California. Diario
Oficial junio 1997.
MODIFICACION a la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-006-PESC-1993, Para
regular el aprovechamiento de todas las especies de langosta en las
aguas de jurisdicción federal del Golfo de México y Mar Caribe, así
como del Océano Pacífico incluyendo el Golfo de California. . Diario
Oficial enero 1995.
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-007-PESC-1993, para regular el
aprovechamiento de las poblaciones de erizo rojo en aguas de
jurisdicción federal del Océano Pacífico de la costa oeste de Baja
California. Diario Oficial diciembre 1993.
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-009-PESC-1993, que establece el
procedimiento para determinar las épocas y zonas de veda para la
captura de las diferentes especies de la flora y fauna acuáticas, en
aguas de jurisdicción federal de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Diario
Oficial febrero 1994.
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-016-PESC-1994, Para regular la pesca de
lisa y liseta o lebrancha en aguas de jurisdicción federal del Golfo de
México y Mar Caribe, así como del Océano Pacífico, incluyendo el
Golfo de California. Diario Oficial enero 1995.
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM ECOL-059-1994, Que determina las especies
y subespecies de flora y fauna silvestres terrestres y acuáticas en
peligro de extinción, amenazadas, raras y las sujetas a protección
especial y que establece especificaciones para su protección. Diario
Oficial mayo 1994.
PROYECTO de Norma Oficial Mexicana PROY-NOM-131-ECOL-1998. Que
establece lineamientos y especificaciones para el desarrollo de
actividades de observación de ballenas, relativas a su protección y a
la conservación de su hábitat. - Diario Oficial junio 1999.
ACUERDOS.
ACUERDO para la ejecución provisional del plan de manejo para la
zona arqueológica de la Sierra de San Francisco, Baja California Sur,
México. - noviembre de 1993.
REGLAMENTOS.
Reglamento para guías, turistas y coordinadores de la zona
arqueológica de San Francisco de la Sierra. (Instituto Nacional de
Antropología e Historia)
PLANES DE MANEJO.
Plan de Manejo para la zona arqueológica de la Sierra de San
Francisco Baja California Sur, México.
REPORTES.
Report of the Scientific Committee. - May 1999.
Reportes sobre los asuntos de la agenda del comité científico y
asuntos de la agenda de la comisión.
Report of the Scientific Committee. - May 1999.
Reporte del grupo de trabajo permanente, sobre asuntos ambientales.
Comisión Nacional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos para la UNESCO.
CONVENCIONES.
Convention for the Protection of Migratory Brids and Game Mammals. -
february 1936
NOMINACIONES.
Nominación para patrimonio de la humanidad. - Resumen IUCN 554:
Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno (México). - marzo/abril de 1990.
Nominación para patrimonio de la humanidad - Evaluación Técnica de
la IUCN. 554 Reserva de la Biosfera el Vizcaíno (México).
OFICIOS.
Oficio de respuesta emitido por el Instituto Nacional de Ecología a
la manifestación de impacto ambiental en su modalidad intermedia para
el proyecto denominado "Salitrales San Ignacio". - febrero de
1995.
PUBLICACIONES.
Salitrales de San Ignacio
PONENCIAS.
Conservación y manejo de REBIVI. (Víctor Sánchez).
Estado de conservación de la Ballena Gris. (Héctor Pérez Cortés y
Lorenzo Rojas).
Estado de conservación de otras Especies de Flora y Fauna en el
Sitio. (Humberto Berlanga).
INFORMACION BÁSICA EL VIZCAINO
Programa de Manejo de la Reserva de Biosfera de El Vizcaino
Programas de Conservación
Aspectos socioeconómicos
Inspección y vigilancia
RESUMEN DEL PROGRAMA DE MENEJO DE LA RESERVA DE BIOSFERA DE EL
VIZCAINO
ACCIONES DE LA PROCURADURÍA FEDERAL DE PROTECCIÓN AL AMBIENTE EN LA
RESERVA DE EL VIZCAINO (Anexos)
SINTESIS CARTOGRÁFICA, Escala 1:250.000
GESTION AMBIENTAL MEXICANA - CD-Rom
LEY GENERAL DEL EQUILIBRIO ECOLÓGICO Y PROTECCIÓN AL AMBIENTE
PERSPECTIVA AMBIENTAL DE BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
Gobierno del Estado de Baja California Sur - 1999-08-28
PUNTA ABREOJOS 1948-1998
Edita: Scpp Punta Abreojos s.c.l, Diciembre 1998
PROCURADURÍA FEDERAL DE PROTECCION AL AMBIENTE
Informe de actividades - SEMARNAP-PROFEPA 1998
COMENTARIOS Y OPINIONES DE ORGANISMOS INTERNACIONALES SOBRE EL
PROGRAMA NACIONAL DE AUDOTORIA AMBIENTAL DE MEXICO
MAR, VIENTO Y SOL
Folleto informativo de la compañía Exportadora de Sal S.A. - 1999
INDUSTRIA LIMPIA
Ed. PROFEPA - 1998
RELACIÓN DE PROCEDIMIENTOS ADMINISTRATIVOS ESSA.
FONDO MEXICANO PARA LA CONSERVACION DE LA NATURALEZA
Informe Anual n- 1998
DIRECTORIO MEXICANO DE LA CONSERVACIÓN
Ed. Fondo Mexicano de Conservación de la Naturaleza - 1999
LINEAMIENTOS PARA EL PLAN ESTATAL DE DESARROLLO
Baja California Sur - 1999-2005
DESEMPEÑO AMBIENTAL EXPORTADORA DE SAL: ESTUDIO JURÍDICO
Coalición Internacional para la Defensa de la Laguna de San Ignacio
PROCURADURÍA FEDERAL DE PROTECCION AL AMBIENTE
Informe Trianual - SEMARNAP-PROFEPA 1995-1997
DOSIER DE PRENSA
Santuario de El Vizcaino
ESSA: LA SAL DE LA MUERTE
Greenpeace - 1999
UN INVESTIGATES THREAT TO GRAY WHALE NURSERY
Video - IFAW VNR- 1999
EXPORTADORA DE SAL - ACTIVIDADES RELEVANTES EN RIESGO Y PROTECCIÓN
AL AMBIENTE DERIVADAS DE LA AUDITORÍA AMBIENTAL.
Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente
VERSION ESTENOGRÁFICA DE LA REUNIÓN CELEBRADA POR LA COMISIÓN
INVESTIGADORA
Cámara de Diputados
CARPETA INFORMATIVA PARA LA VISITA DE LA MISIÓN DE LA UNESCO
Exportadora de Sal, S.A. de C.V.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENT FOR THE MISSION TO THE WHALE SANCTUARY OF EL
VIZCAINO (MEXICO)
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 1999
ANNEX 6.6 Excerpts from the 1999 report of the IWC Scientific
Committee
ANNEX 6.7 Terms of Reference of the International Scientific
Committee to evaluate potential impacts of the proposed saltworks
project at Laguna San Ignacio
ANNEX 6.8 Maps
Reserva de la Biosfera de El Vizcaino: Laguna Oje de Liebre (World
Heritage area and saltworks concession)
Reserva de la Biosfera de El Vizcaino: Laguna San Ignacio (World
Heritage area and saltworks concession)
"contain the most important and significant natural habitats for
in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing
threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view
of science or conservation."
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