Pinamar environmentalists protest motocross track construction on coastline

Environmental groups and local residents in Pinamar, Argentina, are protesting the construction of a 3.2-kilometer motocross circuit on the city's public coastline. The track is being built to host the ‘Enduro de Invierno’ competition on August 29 and 30, an event expected to draw 350 pilots and thousands of visitors.

The Pinamar Ecological Foundation has filed complaints with the municipal government and the Buenos Aires Ministry of Environment, seeking a suspension of the works. The foundation argues that the excavation and soil movement violate environmental protection regulations and could lead to coastal erosion, sand compaction, noise pollution, and risks to freshwater aquifers. They also noted a lack of a signed environmental impact statement and pointed out that local ordinances prohibit vehicle circulation on the beach.

In response, the Pinamar Municipality stated that the event was approved by a majority vote in the City Council. Officials also maintained that an environmental impact report exists to support the project.