GIS Mapping
  1. Identification of priority terrestrial and marine conservation areas and natural habitats at risk (estuaries, mangroves, deserts, coastal sage scrub, oasis, etc.).


  2. Identification of habitats for key flora and fauna.
    • maping of nesting areas/breeding grounds for key at risk bird, mammal, reptile/amphibian species
    • mapping of at risk flora (particular emphasis on coastal sage scrub, mangroves)

    • mapping of groundwater resources (aquifers)


  3. Identification or urban centers
    --include data on population, and socio-economic indicators (per capita income, health data, education data, infrastructure availability, etc based on Mexican Census data and other indices).


  4.  Mapping of all major real estate projects completed, under construction or planned (depending on data availability).




Internet Based GIS Features

Permitting local environmental nonprofits in Baja California and the Gulf of California region to provide real time, site specific information that is geo-referenced and specific to priority conservation areas including text and images;

Web GIS interactive data collection tool for water quality data for the area.

With this information, Pronatura and SDSU, with the additional support of ICF, would like to provide a web user with the ability to create mapping overlays to show the
following:

  1. Endangered Habitats:   Classified as habitats that are located in priority conservation zones and which have on-going or planned development with the potential for irreparable harm to the terrestrial or marine environment.
    Examples:   Mogote (La Paz, BSC);  Playa Balandra (La Paz, BCS);  Estuario Los Cabos; Cabo Pulmo, Todo Santos; Bahia Magdelena;  Isla San Jose; Tambabiche; Bahia de Loreto; San Bruno; Bahia Concepcion; Bahia de Los Angeles;  San Quintin, etc.
  2. Eco-Risk Hotspots:  Locations where planned or projects under construction are in direct violation of Mexican environmental laws such as the Mogote, Estuario Los Cabos, and Bahia de Loreto/Ensenada Blanca/Luigi. 
  3.  Urban Areas at Risk  Locations at risk due to groundwater depletion: unplanned urban growth (growing colonias populares); incidence of drug related violent crime; declining per capita income; declining human development indices (health, education).
    Example:   Valle de Guadalupe (groundwater depletion); Loreto (groundwater depletion); La Paz (groundwater depletion); Rosarito (increase in violent crime); Cabo (unplanned urban growth, increase in drug related violent crime.    By geo-referencing some of the emerging non-environmental issues impacting the region, potential homebuyers will better understand the potential consequences of unplanned urban development on the fragile Baja peninsula.
  4. NGOS Making a Difference: Mapping of NGOs addressing Eco-Hot Spots; protecting endangered habitats; and/or urban areas at risk.  For Eco-Hotspots, local conservation NGOs (e.g. DAN, CEMDA, Pronatura; Niparaja; Amigos de Cabo Pulmo; Guardianes de el agua, A.C., Vigilantes de Bahia Magdelena, etc.)  will be able to upload photos and provide details on environmental violations including damage to sensitive habitats.

    With the help of ICF, Pronatura looks to work in partnership to actively promote the web site to potential 2nd home buyers in the United States and Canada