Cross-Border, Nature Based Market Solutions to Protect Blue Carbon Coastal Ecosystems in the Californias

March 2022

establishes the jurisdiction and boundaries of Mexican coastal waters and oceans, and the General Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection Law (LEGEEPA). The latter’s main purpose is to regulate human activities with respect to nature and to marine and coastal areas and their vegetation. For purposes of our analysis, this law and its regulation have particular importance with respect to what may or

activities based on the LGEEPA, its regulations, Official Standard Norms and environmental impact studies. It is likewise important to highlight the Mexico’s General Wildlife Law , which provides special protection to all mangroves, as they are all CITES listed endangered species.

Isla Danzante, Loreto, B.C.S. Juvenile grunts, like other species of fish, recruit in mangrove forests. Photo: Octavio Aburto

may not be done in order to protect ecosystems such as mangroves, beaches, wetlands and lagoons. Here, the LGEEPA vests authority and jurisdiction to SEMARNAT, Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, over all matters of federal jurisdiction, which include federal lands, waters, federal zones and beaches, wetlands, rivers, creeks, forestry matters, ecosystems, among others. Any use or activity within such areas require the approval of SEMARNAT that will grant, limit or deny such

NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS, MARINE NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS AND NATIONAL PARKS As provided by LGEEPA, the Mexican Federation, through SEMARNAT and CONANP, may create Natural Protected Areas, Marine Natural Protected Areas and Marine Parks over national lands, federal zones and even private properties to

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