The Impact of Proposed Housing Development On The Barrier Dunes of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

The Barrier Dunes of Todos Santos and Housing Developments

The Ecological Impact
Erosion of the beach.
Destruction of the dunes.
Potential flooding of land now protected by dunes.
Destruction of turtle habitat (endangered leather back and others).
Buildings exacerbate wind erosion by raising the dune profile.
Leads to removal of the foliage in the huerta,
and destruction of wildlife.
Existing environmental standards are seldom enforced due to
under funding for environmental personnel.
Development proposed despite world-wide restrictions
of building on dunes.

The Impact on the Unique Natural Beauty of Todos Santos
Todos Santos would resemble Cabo San Lucas.
Natural beauty and uniqueness of Todos Santos compromised.
Overdevelopment & density cause light pollution and loss of wetlands.
Lack of architectural standards and effective controls would mean
buildings made higher than building codes specify.

The Impact on Infrastructure
Strain on our existing resources:
Water
Sewage
Roads
Schools
Social Problems
Bomberos

The Economic Impact
Very few if any new construction jobs for local population.
The only long term job development would be for service sector jobs.

Destruction of our uniqueness would result in fewer tourists and the
departure of those who came here because of the unique natural beauty.

For good reason Fonatur designated Todos Santos as an art colony,
not a destination resort like Cabo San Lucas.

Reprinted from the "Todos Santos Stop Dune Development Committee"