To the general public, to the authorities of the three levels of government, and society at large:

At Eco-Alianza de Loreto, an organization dedicated to protecting our natural heritage and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in our community, we respectfully express our concern and complete disagreement with the federal decree designating Loreto, Baja California Sur, as a deep-water and cabotage port.

We recognize the importance of promoting economic development and regional connectivity; however, we believe that all public policy must be built on principles of sustainability, citizen participation, and scientific evidence.

From our perspective, this decree raises legitimate concerns:

• Significant environmental risks to the marine ecosystems of high ecological value found within Loreto Bay National Park, including the blue whale sanctuary, rocky reefs, and island biodiversity recognized worldwide for its fragility and importance; ecosystems protected under national and international instruments.
• A potential increase in international maritime activities, with impacts on water quality, marine fauna, and the ecological processes that sustain life in the region.
• The absence of broad consultation and public engagement processes, which are essential for decisions that transform a community’s development model.
• Risk of disrupting the natural environment and low-impact tourism that has historically distinguished Loreto as a destination for conservation and well-being.

Eco-Alianza de Loreto reiterates that development should not be at odds with conservation, but rather should be built in harmony. Loreto is not merely a strategic point on the economic map; it is a territory with an identity, history, and natural heritage that belongs not only to its inhabitants, but to Mexico and the world.

Eco-Alianza remains a proud partner of Utah State University, and is both deeply gratified by the success of this collaboration and eager for those to come. These partnerships carry an added layer of significance in honoring the alma mater of Tony Kinninger, co-founder of Eco-Alianza de Loreto.

Therefore, respectfully:

• We state our opposition to the decree and demand its immediate repeal while strategic environmental studies, the omitted legal procedures, and the corresponding public consultation processes are carried out, as a prerequisite to any final decision regarding Loreto’s port status.
• We call for an open dialogue in which the scientific community, civil society organizations, productive sectors, and the public can contribute to proposing and designing sustainable alternatives.
• We reaffirm our commitment to constructively collaborate on options that promote genuinely sustainable development without compromising our natural heritage.

We firmly believe that Loreto’s future must be built with responsibility, a long-term vision, and respect for its invaluable natural wealth.

Sincerely,
Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C.