By Francisco Peyret
Most cafeterias or restaurants have a time, usually in the morning, where a group of friends takes over a table or corner. Some of these groups meet on a regular basis, to discuss issues, talk about daily events, or to try to solve some problem of the moment. Sometimes the issues are local, national, or even at an international level. “The city is running out of water!” or “What about all that pollution?” or “There is too much growth of the city,” or even, “A dog was stolen!” A great deal is discussed, and often great solutions are offered to any of the ongoing issues. These morning meetings are what we will call «The Coffee League.»
On this occasion, we have broached the subject of the recognition of the city as a UNESCO Heritage site. We wonder what the advantages and disadvantages are. This virtual group shares their opinions on the matter.
Mario Hernández is Director of Charco del Ingenio, and master in Integrated Watershed Management. He shares his views: This is a complex issue. Having been declaring a protected site is important. However, when social justice is lacking in the equation, there is a risk of transforming what was meant to be a protected city, into simply a tourist site. Human rights are put aside when spaces that are part of the city’s identity are appropriated, and the entire environment is transformed into a consumer product. The various declarations, awards or recognitions (many times) turn out to be part of a commercial strategy and not an exercise in social justice. Many of the public and historical spaces that were part of the town’s identity, are now occupied by commercial enterprises. Many are only accessible to those economic sectors that have monetary solvency to enjoy them.
Arturo Morales, tourism entrepreneur, agronomist, social anthropologist and historian, comments: The positive aspects of the different awards given by magazines such as Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure are evident. They consolidate efforts of private initiative and government around tourism. The focus on tourism brings greater purchasing power. It directs those involved in tourism to be more competitive, and to keep updating their products.
The negative effects are that there is inflation and a rising cost of living for locals. There is gentrification and real estate pressure. Often the tourist brand achieves greater importance than the UNESCO heritage designation.
José Alfredo Gutiérrez, writer, free thinker and influencer, reflects: I would make a distinction between the appointment by UNESCO and the other prizes that are bought in. The advantages of the Heritage designation is to those tourists who seek this type of destination; sites and cities that are preserved. Another advantage could be the twinning with the other heritage cities. But this is not being done. Tours could be coordinated with all the nearby heritage destinations. Again, this is not being done either. I think that it is a terrible mistake to assign more importance to the commercial prizes, rather than the appointment of UNESCO.
Víctor Armando Rivera Salas, an independent architect with extensive experience in the public sector, says: The pros are that San Miguel has acquired a favorable economic dynamic. Services and other tertiary activities are diversified. Real estate, construction and tourism activities stand out, generating a good levels of competitiveness. New companies supplying products that we didn’t have before are coming in. A higher population from other regions contribute culturally.
The cons are that there are low-paying, temporary jobs. The phenomenon of gentrification is very marked in San Miguel de Allende. The city does not have adequate infrastructure planning to accommodate the population that is settling in. All the ancient heritage structures are under great pressure. Traffic has increased tremendously without new alternative routes being put in. The possibilities of pedestrian circulation or non-polluting vehicles are very limited and reduced. Governments have focused on positive actions for tourists, rather than solving the problems of the local residents.
Alfredo Zamora, park designer and environmentalist, shares: I start with a consideration of methodology. What parameters are used for that type of designation? I’ve always believed that there should be several—governance, sustainability, and planning. As far as the Heritage designation and the naming of San Miguel as the Best city, there are several effects. Hotels are overflowing and more and more hotel rooms are becoming available. There are more and more galleries, and better gastronomic offerings. The tourist load is enormous, and there is a danger of becoming another Venice, which is effectively over. Barcelona is another example; it is trying to recover. In San Miguel, we are losing ourselves little by little and when we look back I don’t know if we will recover.
As for the pros of these awards, there are, of course some. We have greater (I don’t know if better) educational opportunities. Better choices in health services. More job offers.
On the other hand there are a number of cons. There is high density and real estate development everywhere. There is a disjointed social fabric, more and more people with different habits (crime) settle here.
And what do you think?
