63 Year Old Activist Murdered in Mexican Surf Town

“We stand in solidarity with the indigenous community of Barra de la Cruz, who have resisted efforts to develop their communally owned coastline, but have suffered violence at the hands of speculators and would-be developers. “

In addition to its incredible surf, the state Oaxaca is known for its strong indigenous culture and heritage, as well as having the highest biodiversity of all of Mexico that is safeguarded by indigenous land ownership. Around 80% of the land in Oaxaca is communally owned, largely by indigenous populations. New projects, like the harbor development in Salina Cruz, threaten not just the surf, but the very nature of the coastline we have come to love. 

Dedina adds, “The indigenous land ownership is what has prevented the development of Oaxaca from the tropical forests of the mountains, all the way down to the coast. That’s why Oaxaca doesn’t look like the rest of the Pacific Coast of Mexico.”

There have now been two murders of activists in recent months, a clear sign that speculators and would-be developers have major interests in the area. Although developing the land is illegal, foul play could continue until the communities feel pressured to vote against their own interests. Land grabs can happen quickly when developers have dollar signs in their eyes, the international community that loves Oaxaca needs to stay vigilant to support the preservation of the land.

Over the years, the community of Barra de La Cruz has resisted these efforts despite being a world-class wave and popular surf destination. Barra, as it is known, exists in stark contrast to its famous cousin to the north, Puerto Escondido, that is suffering from overdevelopment that threatens to ruin the very wave that made it famous. To learn more about the history of Puerto Escondido, and how development is threatening the wave, we highly recommend watching Place of Thorns.

Barra has stayed true to its puebla roots and everyone in the community knows each other, even though they don’t always agree–there have been attempts over the years to develop the town, but community preservation has prevailed. With Huatulco only some 30 minutes away, full of luxury accommodation options, there is really no need to develop the coast–that’s exactly the appeal of Oaxaca, a wildness and raw beauty of pristine beaches, backed by deep forests, free from luxury developments.