Activists sue to stop Cancún cathedral in green zone

Cancún, Mexico — Members of the environmental movement "Salvemos juntos el Ombligo Verde" (Let’s Save the Ombligo Verde Together) announced this week that they have filed an injunction seeking a permanent halt to the construction of the Cancún–Chetumal Diocese Cathedral within this natural area, one of the last urban green lungs in the city.

Authorities Claim No Ecological Harm, Activists Disagree

Katherin Ender, an activist and lawyer for the collective, explained that the legal action was taken after environmental authorities assured residents of Supermanzana 33 that no ecological damage was being caused by the construction, despite the area being home to protected species and lacking an updated management plan.

“They claim there is no environmental impact, but we believe the entire zone should be fully protected. The injunction aims to stop the construction and expand the ecological reserve by removing the church project from the site,” Ender stated.

Endangered Species at Risk

Biologist Graciela Saldaña emphasized the ecological significance of the Ombligo Verde, which shelters at-risk species such as the chit palm and other wildlife. She noted that an environmental management plan for the area has been pending since 2013, underscoring the urgency of protecting it from further development.

“There is no technical or environmental justification for these works. Authorities are acting without legal or scientific backing, ignoring conservation requirements mandated by law,” Saldaña warned.

A Broader Fight for Conservation

The activists clarified that their campaign is not against religious institutions but rather a defense of Cancún’s natural heritage. They stressed that the injunction is a legal tool to preserve the area for future generations.

The Ombligo Verde, a critical green space in Cancún’s urban landscape, has long been a focal point for conservation efforts. The outcome of this legal challenge could set a precedent for future development projects in ecologically sensitive zones.