Protecting the Estero de San José del Cabo: A Laughing Matter?
So, after years of wrangling, it seems our dear Estero de San José del Cabo isn’t quite ready for its going-out-of-business sale just yet! No, folks, it’s in recovery; think of it more as a spa retreat for nature—minus the cucumbers over the eyes, of course.
According to Emer García, the president of the Advisory and Scientific Subcouncil—yes, that does sound very fancy, doesn’t it?—the Estero is on the mend, and there’s an optimistic plan brewing. The next 100 days are set to be pivotal, much like waiting for a Netflix series to drop that you just know will change your life (or at least your weekend).
“This plan should have been ready ages ago, but somehow it got stuck in the bureaucratic Bermuda Triangle. Don’t worry though, we’ve got new management now that’s dedicated to getting things done—like a kid who finally figured out how to tie their shoelaces!”
This Management Update Plan isn’t just a pretty piece of paper to put on the fridge; it includes vital studies and programs to supervise the Estero’s ecological health. Think conservation, native species protection, and a few good old-fashioned rescue missions!
Let’s face it, the local peninsular masked whale isn’t just any whale—it’s the star of the show! With its population hovering between 35% and 45% in this Protected Natural Area (ANP), it deserves a standing ovation. Although, it stands to reason it might prefer a more private performance—safety first, right?
But Wait, It’s Not All Doom and Gloom!
Emer candidly remarked that while the estuary might be “sick,” it’s certainly not beyond help. Why, the resilient little critters are still kicking! “The estuary is not destroyed; it just has an unfortunate case of the sniffles,” he might have said if he were aiming for comedy gold. And if we’re talking about recovery, nesting post-fire is the rebellious cherry on top! Who knew a fire could spark such enthusiasm? Albeit, not the kind you’d want to set your barbecue alight with!
“We’ve even got nesting starting up again! It’s like Jurassic Park over here—against all odds, life finds a way!”
Of course, let’s talk about that pesky invasive species. They’re like that friend who shows up uninvited to every dinner party, and not the fun kind! The Autonomous University of Baja California Sur has made it clear that any heroic revitalization efforts must start with booting these interlopers out. We can’t have anyone spoiling the party for our native pals!
Takeaway: Work Smart, Not Hard
So here’s the crux of it: as we move forward into this brave new world of ecological preservation, let’s have a toolkit—preferably one that doesn’t involve just rubber bands and duct tape! It’s all about scientific study and community consensus. After all, no one wants to build a new high-rise on the historical ruins of Mother Nature!
In summary: the Estero is alive and kicking, with a plan on the way to keep it that way. It may be a bit bedraggled, but it’s not down for the count. And with a dedicated bunch of scientists, enthusiasts, and possibly a few well-placed jokes, we might just see our estuary pull off a revival worthy of a standing ovation!
For many years, various civil associations, schools, scientists, civil society and businessmen have worked together to protect the Estero de San José del Cabo. Scientists and specialists have collaborated to implement actions in favor of their rescue. Emer García, president of the Advisory and Scientific Subcouncil of the Estero San José, reported that in the next 100 days the authorization of the Management Update Plan of the Estero San José is expected.
This plan includes studies and programs that seek to guarantee the proper management of the Estero State Ecological Reserve, with emphasis on the conservation of native species, such as the peninsular mask, whose population is concentrated between 35% and 45% in this Protected Natural Area (ANP).
“This work was carried out by a consultant, obviously with the support of specialists among whom we are included, and it is the Estero San José Management Update Plan. This update of the Management Update Plan should have been ready in the previous administration, but for some reasons it did not manage to leave on time. Right now there is the commitment of the current administration, so that in the first 100 days this plan sees the light and becomes official. Within this plan it includes specific studies and subprograms for the management of fire, water, invasive species, especially the conservation of native species.”
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Emer García, who is also responsible for the Habitat and Key Species Conservation Laboratory of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS), pointed out that statements such as those made in the Comprehensive Plan Forum for the Estero de San José del Cabo, where it was mentioned that the estuary was “completely destroyed”they lack foundation. For the specialist, the estuary is sick, but work is being done on its recovery. He added that any project that aims to impact this natural area must be based on scientific studies and consensus, ensuring that the reproductive cycle of the peninsular masked whale is respected.
“Of course, the estuary is not destroyed; It is sick, but it is not destroyed. Life is there, we continue to do annual monitoring of the peninsular masked whale and there is complete nesting after the fire. With the tulles and reeds, nests of the mascarita began to appear in the fire, which speaks of its resilience. Yes, studies have to be done to know when the works will be done so that they do not affect its reproduction.”
The Autonomous University of Baja California Sur emphasized that any project aimed at the recovery of the estuary must focus, first of all, on the elimination of invasive species that have compromised its health. Furthermore, he reiterated that, instead of presenting proposals that could worsen the situation, it is essential to understand the ecological relevance of this space and act accordingly for its preservation.
YJ
