Mangrove Environmental Protection Group

Beaches:  All the ramadas were destroyed at the both Borrego and Las Islitas beaches.  The group hoped to put building on hold until all the rubble was removed and they had a plan for a sanitary system and esthetic guidelines to maintain the rustic charm of the area.  The results were mixed.  The army came in with heavy equipment and did remove all the rubble.  On Borrego beach they built the ramadas back further on the beach with the road behind the ramadas, so there is more room on the beach.  During Samana Santa they did not permit cars on the beach.  At Las Islitas there is more concrete than before and the area is definitely less attractive.

Mangroves:  The group went on a field trip to inspect the damage to the mangroves.  Their recommendation was to clean up the canals to let the water flow, but other than that to let nature take it's course.

Forest Fires:   Hurricane Kenna caused extensive damage to the jungles surrounding San Blas.  The El Manglar group along with the municipo started a campainge to prevent forest fires.

City Dump:  When the military came in to remove the rubble they set up a new dump on the main road coming into San Blas.  This dump is an eyesore and El Manglar has been advocating reforestation of this area.   They put up a few palm fronds to block the view during Semana Santa but did not implement a long term solution.  The group will continue to protest eyesore.