Interés público versus interés general: Colonia y el conflicto ambiental en sus costas

Abstract

The privatization of beaches, with the consequent restrictions to access, a long-standing problem in Uruguay, is currently aggravated by the growing demand for land by foreign capital, real estate, and financial speculation, as well as by the deterioration and vulnerability observed on our coasts.  An interesting phenomenon takes place in Departamento de Colonia, on the Río de la Plata River, where local neighbors have taken actions both in the political and media spheres, concerned about the placement of fences, the opening of streets, the approval of subdivisions on public spaces, accesses restrictions to coasts without proper authorizations and considerations of citizens' rights.  Delegation, overlapping and conflict of competences between national and local authorities, with their traditional difficulties to coordinate and complement actions, can be added as part of the problem.  The article focuses on the abundant regulations aimed both at protecting and preserving coastal spaces as well as settle the ever-present tension between private rights and general interest.