Environmental Enforcement Comes to Icacos Beach

(Acapulco, El Sur 15 February) The Guerrero delegate of the federal Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), Daniel Vega Villanueva, made a review of the businesses on Icacos beach, concluding that of the 12 he visited, only 2 were in compliance with legal requirements. The examination is part of a pilot plan for bringing the federal maritime zone of Acapulco into conformity with the law. The purpose, according to the delegate, is to “reduce anarchy.” Most of the businesses along the beach are “informal.” Only the Grand Hotel and a market are authorized.

Some of the informal businesses have attempted to obtain temporary permits, but were turned down “because of the disorder they create.” Some believe the sudden interest in law enforcement after years of neglect is to get rid of those who are loudly protesting the privatization of Icacos Beach with a private yacht pier. Nevertheless, the representative of Semarnat was optimistic that within a month the other businesses would have permits and be in compliance with the rules governing the federal coastal zone. Vega denied that the administrative changes in the municipal and state governments have anything to do with the initiative. He added that the objective is simply to subject businesses in the zone to rules, so as to organize services like massages, water sports, sale of handicrafts and areas for pure relaxation.