The project to build a cable car on the hill of Crestón, where the lighthouse is located, is currently undergoing analysis by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), a dependency before which the government of the state of Sinaloa presented an Environmental Impact Manifesto (MIA) in particular mode.
This work is intended to position this natural space in a sports destination for hiking, mountain biking, running, climbing and recreational activities.
The document, which is located on the official website of the Semarnat, establishes that the project is one of the main issues on the economic agenda of the City and Port of Mazatlan because it will trigger the generation of jobs by increasing the tourist and recreational appeal of the area and the destination in general.
Technical characteristics of the cable car
The cable car will allow you to visualize a large part of the city, bay, islands, estuarine area, and the marine landscape during your tour.
In the description of works and activities of the project called Cable Car Access Faro Mazatlan, Cerro del Crestón Mazatlan, Sinaloa, it is established that it will be a system composed of two stations; the first one located in the lower part, in the beach area called Centenario Station, while the second one would be located on the top of the Crestón hill with the name of Faro Station.
The air route from one station to another has a length of 17 thousand 212.97 square meters. Along this route, the installation of four towers or intermediate supports is also contemplated.
The Centennial Station and tower number one will be located in the corner formed by the Paseo del Centenario and Capitán Joel Montes Camarena avenues, the starting point of the cable car. The second tower will rise next to the entrance to the Limnology and Marine Sciences Station (UNAM); The third tower will be located in the central part of the Crestón hill.
The last tower is planned on the north side of the esplanade of the Mazatlan Lighthouse, at the top of the hill.
The total planned investment is 400 million pesos.
Characteristics of the natural environment
The natural environment of the hill of Crestón is composed of low-lying deciduous forest of the Mexican Pacific, which is characterized by the fact that its trees lose their leaves during the dry season. This type of vegetation is typical of warm climates and is adapted to drought.
It is estimated that about 40 percent of the species that make up such plant communities are endemic, that is, they are only found in these ecosystems, according to information from the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (Conabio).
Despite its biological importance, the deciduous rainforest, also known as dry forest, is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the country and the world, according to the agency’s website.
Natural Park
In April 2018, a glass gazebo was inaugurated on the top of the hill, which increased the influx of people.
Due to the increasing number of visits, the lack of surveillance and maintenance, a group of Mazatlan citizens organized and formed a board of trustees under the figure of civil association in August of that year, with the idea of converting it into a self-sufficient and optimal space condition for recreational use.
Since then, the non-profit organization decided to name the “lighthouse” as a natural park, because it is located on a hill with flora and fauna of biological importance. Currently, the Faro Mazatlan Natural Park is a citizen project that aims to generate a greater sense of collective ownership in the community.
Discard environmental impact
The Environmental Impact Manifesto presented by the state government to Semarnat points out that the area covered by the project is devoid of flora. In the surrounding area, spiny lowland vegetation is reported that is not in any risk category, which will be conserved.
Regarding the fauna, the document indicates that little evidence of terrestrial species has been found, but reptiles and seabirds that fly over the site were identified.
The project has no direct relationship with the use of marine resources because it will be carried out in the urban area, however, it is indicated that there are elements of the landscape that will be modified by increasing the service vocation where the works will be carried out.
Biological record
Although there is a history of greater biodiversity, these are the species of flora and fauna that were identified in the Crestón hill and reported in the Environmental Impact Manifesto for the permit process before Semarnat:
Until December 10, 2019, the cable car project was still under analysis, in the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure (PEIA) carried out at the General Directorate of Environmental Impact and Risk (DGIRA) of the Semarnat.
Source: sonplayas.com
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