Taking action on the heels of recent rumors that investors have set their eyes on Ajijic’s neighboring mountain range to plant new residential developments, concerned residents have mobilized to form Vigilantes de la Ribera, a non-political civil association designed to act as a guardian of lakeside’s natural resources.
Founders of the group held an open meeting Wednesday, October 10 at the Ajijic plaza to sign up members and supporters interested in uniting to defend the mountains, arroyos and lakeshore against unchecked urban growth and promote the preservation of the natural surroundings treasured by generations of inhabitants.
The panel of speakers appearing on behalf of the organization announced that they have initiated the process of filing public information requests to determine whether or not government permits have been issued to allow the construction of an apartment complex in close proximity to the Tepalo waterfalls and hiking trail set in the mountain terrain overlooking the town. Information pertinent to that matter will be released to the public once verified.
Around 150 residents, including a significant number of foreigners, were in attendance to learn more about the rumored Tepalo project and demonstrate opposition to new developments that would compromise nature and create added pressure on existing infrastructure and deficient public services. Some expressed astonishment that the entire mountain range is in the hands of private property owners.
Most of the terrain is it divided among Ejido land holders and the Indigenous Communities of San Antonio Tlayacapan, Ajijic and San Juan Cosalá, under titles originally issued in 18th century and ratified in the 1980s. In addition, 23,176 hectares of land situated in upper elevations were incorporated in the Cerro Viejo-Chupinaya-Los Sabinos Natural Protected Area (ANP) established in 2013.
The ANP spans the municipalities of Chapala, Jocotepec, Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos and Tlajomulco. Although the area is subject to certain restrictions on land use to help conserve its biodiversity and hydrological systems, the construction of new buildings is not banned per se. The protected area designation does provide conscientious municipal authorities with tools to control urban sprawl that encroaches on untouched mountain terrain.
The leaders of Vigilantes de la Ribera are intent on influencing the local government against making policy decisions that favor developers and the promise of economic gains over environmental protection issues. They encourage concerned residents to join the cause. Citizens attending Wednesday’s meeting were asked to attach green ribbons to their clothing and home exteriors as a sign of solidarity.
Follow news of the group’s activities on the Vigilantes de la Ribera Facebook page.