Resistance to coastal privatization: Oaxaca's communities on the uprising!

Der Artikel beleuchtet den Widerstand gegen die Privatisierung von Stränden in Oaxaca, Mexiko, und die sozialen Auswirkungen des Tourismus.
The article illuminates the resistance to the privatization of beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico, and the social effects of tourism. (Symbolbild/ER)

Resistance to coastal privatization: Oaxaca's communities on the uprising!

San Pedro Pochutla, Mexiko - Several communities in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, have formed in a resistance to the privatization of their coastal region. At a meeting on the beach of Salchi in San Pedro Pochutla, the organizers expressed their concern about a "criminal alliance" of business people, notaries and politicians who want to acquire attractive areas for private interests. This practice only benefits a small elite and strengthens social inequality in the region, criticizing the participants of the meeting, including 14 organizations and villages.

A particularly controversial real estate project is to be built behind the protection of armed men who are already threatening environmental activists. In this building, the activists see an illegal project that has the support of politicians, such as Alejandro Avilés Álvarez, who moved from the PRI to the Green Ecological Party. There is a suspicion that the project is related to the current government of Oaxaca.

violent clashes and environmental protection

The situation is alarming, especially after the murder of Cristino Castro Perea, a highly respected environmentalist and founder of the collective "Environmentalists of Barra de la Cruz", which was shot on February 28, 2025. Castro Perea was part of the indigenous Chontal community and had campaigned for the protection of the environment. The murder of Abraham Hernández González, a member of the organization Codedi, who was killed in 2018, was also reminded in the discussions. So far there have been no arrests for both murders. The EU delegation in Mexico as well as the messages of Norway and Switzerland condemned the murder of Castro Perea.

Currently the indigenous village of El Coyul and environmental activists on the beaches of San Agustín and El Coyote in Huatulco are exposed to a serious threat. This worrying environment arises against the background of increasing pressure on the real estate market due to the expansion of international airports in Huatulco and Puerto Escondido and a new motorway connection to Oaxaca City.

tourism in Mexico: opportunities and challenges

While tourism in Mexico is almost 15 % of economic output, it becomes increasingly clear that its negative effects must not be ignored. The tourism sector has the potential to create positive changes in communities and ecosystems, as was found. A partnership -based approach between the tourism industry, governments and local communities is crucial to ensure income currents and to ensure positive effects on education, health and prosperity.

Nevertheless, the negative effects of tourism must not be neglected. The increasing commercialization can contribute to social inequality and make access to resources difficult. Tourism causes CO2 emissions of 5-8 % of global emissions and can lead to the waste of water and the garbage problem. Without targeted strategies for reducing environmental pollution, the situation could tighten, especially in regions that rely on tourism.

In summary, a complex image of tourism in Mexico shows: While it can offer opportunities, the positive aspects face considerable challenges that urgently need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development. Political support and commitment of the communities are essential to counter the challenges and dangers that bring the privatization of the beaches and the increasing violence.

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OrtSan Pedro Pochutla, Mexiko
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