Conservation Vision for Bahía de San Quintín

Introduction

September 2007

Bahía de San Quintín is the largest and only intact coastal lagoon system in the entire Mediterranean zone of North America. It is among the richest, most diverse, and most imperiled ecosystems on the planet, supporting dozens of species designated as Threatened or Endangered.  Hidden in the fog on the windy Pacific Coast of Baja California, this sequestered spot is recognized worldwide for its biodiversity and its hemispheric importance to fisheries, waterfowl, migratory birds, and other coastal resources. The pristine condition of these ecosystems resembles that of Southern California more than 100 years ago, before their destruction and degradation due to population growth.

The survival of this remarkable landscape, however, is threatened by development pressures from a growing population and the thrust of tourism southward from the U.S. border. Like much of Baja California, the area does not have the infrastructure in place to support this growth or a complete recognition of its consequences on natural resources and the local economy. Sustainable use of the area’s rich natural resources is vital to continued agriculture and aquaculture operations, tourism, and community growth. This document presents a vision for addressing these conservation and socioeconomic challenges through new partnerships and an integrative approach to conservation and management of natural resources within a sustainable human community.

For more information, contact Jerre Stallcup.