To ensure everyone access to Mexico’s beaches, a federal decree published Oct. 21st in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOT) guarantees free access and transit to the country’s coastlines. The Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) reported several provisions added to the General Law of National Assets within the decree put an end to the privatization of beaches. In turn, this opens up all beach spaces so that citizens can exercise their right to free transit.
The newly reformed law, presented by Congress and signed by Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, specifies access to federal land zones and beaches “cannot be inhibited, restricted, obstructed, or conditioned, except when established by regulation”.
The decree further details where there are no public access areas, property owners on or near federal land zones must allow free access to these in a manner defined in conjunction with SEMARNAT.
Fines for hindering access to beaches and federal maritime areas will range from 3000 to 12,000 times the Measurement and Adjusted Unit in effect. This applies to owners of land along the Federal Maritime Land Zone (ZOFEMAT), or holders of concession titles, permits, or authorizations under agreements. Recurring incidences can lead to revocation of permits.
The decree went into effect on Thursday, Oct. 22nd, or rather the day after publication in the Official Journal of the Federation. SEMARNAT is to enforce the new legal provisions through coordinated work with local and municipal authorities, while ensuring citizens’ rights to enjoy the natural environment.