Governance of infrastructure and ecosystem sustainability in Punta Colonet, Baja California state, Mexico

Abstract

This article studies the sociopolitical and environmental problems associated with the likely construction of a port at Punta Colonet in Baja California State. Announced as the federal government’s main infrastructure pro-ject, it overlooks earlier commitments to conserv-ing local resources and interests. The confrontation that has emerged between “developmentalists” and “conservationists” glosses over a major con-cern: institutional strength. As a result, the ana-lysis is mainly based on regulations, government action and social participation. Moreover, a balance is proposed between infrastructure and sustainability through an alternative go-vernance framework, whereby an area would be created especially for conservation.