Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador cancelled a gold mine project called Los Cardones in Baja California province on Sunday. The mine, located at one of the main aquifers of the southern area of Baja California, was a threat to the local water sources, according to Lopez Obrador.

The announcement was made during an event that marked the beginning of a project for urban improvement of 15 cities in tourist destinations such as Los Cabos, Acapulco, Vallarta, and Bahía de Banderas. AMLO took the opportunity to highlight the importance of preserving the environment in order to develop a sustainable tourism model.

“The time for decisions has come and I want to address the Southern Baja California people to say no to this mine (…) Why not? Because we have to safeguard the paradise, not destroy it, we have to safeguard the environment. And if the people are making a living out of tourism economy then we have to take care of the environment. And if we want to have water sources, we have to preserve the underground water”.

AMLO’s announcement was widely celebrated by the citizens who attended the event.

The president of Mexico also explained why he was not calling for a popular consultation for this decision, like he did with previous development projects such as the Mexico City International new airport. “The airport project and other projects like the pipeline and the energy plant were started by the previous government. Instead, this project is up to me to start it, hence I say no. And I’m entitled to do so”.

During the event AMLO announced other measures to be applied in the context of the urban improvement project, including fighting inequality and poverty, so the working class involved in touristic activities have better access to services, social programs, and get the legal title deed for their houses.  

He also said the government will construct a desalination plant in Los Cabos with an investment of one billion Mexican pesos.