PROFEPA Halts Illegal Construction in Quintana Roo Wetlands

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) has confirmed the closure of unauthorized construction work on a property surrounding the Estero de Chac, located in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco.

Unauthorized Development in Protected Wetlands

Through its official portal and social media, PROFEPA reported the discovery of wetlands filled with sascab (limestone gravel), along with the construction of three palapas, a cabin, bathrooms, and a dock—all without the required environmental impact authorization.

“We will continue monitoring and protecting the coastal ecosystems of our country,” PROFEPA stated.

Longstanding Environmental Violations

The closure confirms months of complaints against Ernesto Haro Gutiérrez, former communal land commissioner of Juan Sarabia, who has been accused of leading an alleged ecocide in the Estero de Chac area. Environmental damage to wetlands and mangroves has been documented.

Local residents, environmental organizations, and media outlets have alleged that Haro Gutiérrez filled protected areas with stone material, altering the natural flow of the estuary to benefit a potential private tourism project.

Community Concerns and Government Response

The environmental destruction has raised alarms among nearby communities, including Chetumal, Bacalar, Huay Pix, and Xul-Ha, due to the risk of flooding and potential collateral damage to the ecosystem and the Maya Train project.

Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama publicly denounced the situation in a video, acknowledging the severity of the damage and stating that the case would be referred to federal authorities for intervention.

“We will not allow the destruction of our ecosystems,” the governor said at the time.

Residents and advocacy groups have warned that blocking the water flow in the estuary could have irreversible consequences for the region’s environmental balance. They also expressed frustration that the construction proceeded for months with apparent impunity, lacking permits from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.