The BCS government is preparing a reform to strengthen environmental justice and citizen participation.

The consultation process will continue throughout May in Los Cabos , Comondú , and Mulegé , with the intention of presenting the initiative to the full Congress at the end of June.

Agenda Ambiental

The Baja California Sur government has initiated a consultation process for a legislative reform that seeks to strengthen environmental justice in the state and expand citizen participation mechanisms on issues related to land use, ecosystem conservation, and the evaluation of projects with environmental impact.

The proposal, promoted by the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources of BCS in coordination with the State Congress , includes three fundamental axes:

1. Legal recognition of collective environmental rights ,

2. Creation of specialized courts in ecological justice , and

3. Extension of the right to prior and binding consultation for affected communities .

   
   

During the first public consultation forum, held in La Paz , the secretary of the branch, Mariana Ramírez , stressed that

“Baja California Sur faces increasing pressure on its ecosystems, from tourism developments to extractive activities. It's time to give citizens legal tools to protect what belongs to everyone.”

Civil organizations such as CEMDA , Niparajá , and AguaVale welcomed the initiative, although they demanded that the proposed court's autonomy be guaranteed, as well as accessible complaint mechanisms, even without legal representation.

"Environmental justice cannot depend solely on political will; it must be supported by strong institutions ," said environmental lawyer Jorge Urban .

The reform also includes provisions to strengthen transparency in the authorization of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and stricter penalties for those who destroy or alter protected ecosystems, such as mangroves and coastal dunes.

The consultation process will continue throughout May in Los Cabos , Comondú , and Mulegé , with the intention of presenting the initiative to the full Congress at the end of June.