Sayulita Stands Up: March to Defend Mal Paso and Our Beaches
Community Action Sparks Historic Agreements — But the Fight Is Far from Over
Photography by Greer Fawcett // @greerfawcett
A Movement Rooted in Protection and Unity
A powerful community-led march took place in Sayulita to protest the Belmond hotel development and defend Mal Paso beach — one of the region’s most ecologically and culturally important areas. Concerns over privatization, deforestation, and restricted beach access brought residents, environmental advocates, and local leaders together in a unified call for accountability.
Mal Paso, a remote and beloved beach located north of Sayulita, has long been accessible via an ancestral trail connecting to San Pancho. The recent closure of this trail and surrounding access points raised red flags for the community — sparking outrage, but also unprecedented momentum.
March Summary & Goals
By Jessica Adams
The march was sparked by the community’s concern after the closure of public beach access and the ancestral path between Sayulita and San Pancho. That collective pressure led to something rarely seen: a formal meeting with the developers, local associations, and the municipal and state governments — where key agreements were reached.
✅ What We Achieved:
- Protection of the ancestral path as an ecological trail
- Guarantee of public access points to the beach
- Commitment to honor the 10% land donation required by law for public use
- A formal commitment by the developers to reforest areas impacted by deforestation
Photography by Greer Fawcett // @greerfawcett
During the march, Jessica Adams López — representing Grupo Pro Sayulita and the legacy of her grandmother, Tía Adriana — reminded everyone that this fight is bigger than any single development.
“We want future developers and governments to respect the community, our lands, and our heritage. We want them to integrate into Sayulita, not just come in and do as they please.”
She also emphasized the power of unity — not just within Sayulita, but across the entire bay:
“What’s happening here is happening all across Mexico — beaches being taken, traditions erased. This movement is about protecting what belongs to all of us.”
More Than Mal Paso: A Fight for All Beaches
While the Mal Paso agreements marked real progress, the fight is far from over.
Many residents remain concerned about:
- Ongoing deforestation of the jungle
- The illegal wall built on federal land at the beach before the cemetery (official name unknown)
This sacred beach — known for its calm waters and long history as a gathering place for local families — was suddenly closed off. Its privatization became a symbol of what’s at stake.
The decision to redirect the march toward the wall was intentional:
- To draw national attention
- To demand that SEMARNAT remove the illegal wall
- And to restore the federal beach for public access
It was also a powerful show of solidarity between Sayulita and San Pancho, sending a clear message:
We are organized. We are united. And we are ready to defend our beaches.
Photo by Greer Fawcett // @greerfawcett
About the Author: Jessica Adams López
Jessica Adams López is a community organizer and passionate advocate for Sayulita’s cultural and environmental heritage. She manages her grandmother’s historic hotel — originally known as Villa Buena Salud, later renamed Tía Adriana’s Bed and Breakfast, and now proudly operating as Hotel Sayulita Central.
As the granddaughter of Tía Adriana, one of the town’s earliest and most respected foreign residents, Jessica honors her roots by fighting for sustainable development, the protection of public spaces, and the unity of the community.
Through her work with Grupo Pro Sayulita and other grassroots efforts, she continues to defend the soul of Sayulita — for the families of today and generations to come.
📸 Photo credit and heartfelt thanks to local photographer Greer Fawcett for generously capturing the spirit and strength of this movement.
