Real Estate and sustainability -

June 20th, 2024

Sales Department

Sustainability is a term that has gained a lot of strength in recent years. This refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the capacity of future generations, always guaranteeing a balance between economic growth, care for the environment and social well-being.

This concept arose for the first time in the Brundtland Report that was published by the United Nations in 1987. This report warned of the negative environmental consequences of economic development and globalization and tried to find possible solutions to the problems derived from industrialization and Population growth.

Since the creation of this report, the need for cooperation between nations on issues of development and use of natural resources was already foreseen, but mainly to create processes in which all countries could record their respective environmental problems.

However, more than 30 years have passed since this issue began to be given importance and there are countries where this long-awaited sustainable development has not yet been achieved, as is the case of Mexico, where several cities have grown or are growing rapidly. excessive and uncontrolled manner causing serious consequences in nature.

PUERTO ESCONDIDO’S CASE

For this blog, we take the case closest to us geographically: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. This is a very touristy coastal territory that has conquered thousands of people, both foreign and national, with its natural beauties. Among the great attractions that Puerto Escondido has are the 7 beaches that make it up: Zicatela, Bahía Principal, Bacocho, Marinero, Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo.

This beautiful beach city is presenting a great environmental problem due to excessive population, tourism and real estate growth, causing: pollution on the beaches, discharge of sewage into the sea, displacement of the native population and construction of mega developments that destroy important ecosystems.

To understand a little more about this problem and the possible solutions to it, we contacted Andrea Esquerra, leader of the SOS PUERTO movement. She tells us that in 2018 she discovered what she calls “paradise”: Puerto Escondido and fell in love with its magic, which turned a one-week vacation into a life of almost 5 years. The sea always caught his attention and it was in 2022 that activism came into his life.

SOS PUERTO was born from that internal need to maintain the essence of a place so special to her. What began as an emerging citizen movement, over time demonstrated that when we unite we can achieve great things and today they work every day to promote sustainable practices for the correct development of tourist destinations, the protection of the territory, social justice and promoting union in community.

Contrary to what one might think, SOS PUERTO considers it essential to promote joint work between government, private initiative, civil society and organizations.

One of the main problems that this organization has identified in Puerto Escondido is the lack of regulation and political will to achieve it. Despite the efforts of society, associations and even investors, there is no urban development plan or investment in the infrastructure necessary for the growth they are projecting in Puerto.

The message is clear: orderly and fair development, done so that everyone has a space. In the end, this will ensure that investors and their money are safe, since they will have the certainty that they are investing in a safe and regulated place.

To achieve sustainable development in Puerto Escondido or any city, concrete actions must be implemented such as those listed below:

Urban Planning and Regulation

Development of Comprehensive Urban Plans: Create and regularly update urban development plans that contemplate sustainable growth, adequate zoning and the protection of green areas.
Regulation and Supervision: Implement and enforce strict regulations on land use, construction and environmental protection.

Sustainable Infrastructure

Efficient Public Transport: Invest in accessible and sustainable public transport systems, such as electric buses, subways and bike sharing, to reduce private vehicle use and carbon emissions.
Renewable Energy: Promote the use of renewable energy such as solar, wind and geothermal in public and private buildings.

Waste and Resource Management

Recycling and Waste Management: Implement effective recycling programs, promote waste reduction and establish modern waste treatment facilities.
Water Conservation: Promote the efficient use of water through saving technologies and awareness programs, as well as the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

Environmental Protection

Ecosystem Conservation: Protect and restore natural areas, parks and ecological reserves, ensuring their integration into urban planning.
Pollution Control: Implement measures to reduce air, water and soil pollution by monitoring and controlling industrial and vehicular emissions.

Inclusion and Social Justice

Affordable Housing: Develop policies that guarantee the availability of affordable, quality housing for all segments of the population.
Citizen Participation: Encourage active community participation in decision-making about urban development, ensuring that the voices of all groups, especially the most vulnerable, are heard.

Education and Environmental Awareness

Educational Programs: Implement educational programs in schools and communities about the importance of sustainability and how to contribute to it.
Awareness Campaigns: Develop public awareness campaigns about sustainable practices and the impact of excessive growth.

Collaboration and Governance

Multi-sector Cooperation: Foster collaboration between government, private sector, NGOs and civil society to implement sustainable strategies.
Transparency and Accountability: Ensure transparency in urban development policies and the accountability of the actors involved in the implementation of these policies.

Innovation and Technology

Smart Cities: Adopt smart city technologies to improve the efficiency of urban services, such as traffic, energy and water management systems.
Research and Development: Support research and development of new technologies and sustainable practices that can be applied in the city.

By implementing these actions, any city can move towards a sustainable development model that benefits private investment, society and government, balancing economic growth for all with environmental protection and social well-being.

If you want to know more about SOS PUERTO, follow them on their social networks, where they publish calls and relevant information about the actions they are taking to protect Puerto Escondido.

If you want to know more about sustainable real estate developments, do not hesitate to contact us: we can give you professional advice on construction issues, local or state regulations and projects. Follow us on our social networks as SILMÉXICO OAXACA. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify: “Real Estate and Business in Mexico” by Dolores Islas. Until next time!