Mexico cancels big tourism project after civic pressure
Source: Reuters
Mexico cancels big tourism project after civic pressure
By David Alire Garcia
MEXICO CITY | Fri Jun 15, 2012 5:47pm EDT
(Reuters) - Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced the cancellation of a $2 billion tourist development in Baja California on Friday, bowing to opposition by environmentalists that said the plan was a threat to a nearby coral reef.
Planned by Spanish developer Hansa Urbana, the Cabo Cortes project was to have built on the southeastern tip of the Baja California peninsula and due to include lots for 15 hotels, golf courses, a large marina and jet strip.
But the development, which Hansa Urbana had valued at $2 billion, was only 6 miles from the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park and its renowned coral reef system.
"The Cabo Cortes project will not be carried out," Calderon said on Friday, citing its uncertain environmental impact. He pledged to help investors develop a sustainable new project in its place.
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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/15/us-mexico-tourism-idUSBRE85E1GK20120615