Color Change in Chac’s Estuary Sparks Environmental Concerns

Raul Andrade Angulo, President of the Association of Hotels in the Center and South of Quintana Roo, has expressed concern over a change in the water color in Chac's Estuary. He suggests that this year's unusual rainfall could be the cause, a phenomenon that has occurred in the past. However, he also acknowledged that the ongoing construction of the Mayan Train could be impacting the ecosystem.

The estuary has seen an increase in the accumulation of sediments carried by the rainwater, a recurring event that has intensified this year. Angulo emphasized that the exact impact of the Mayan Train project on the estuary is still unknown and requires further investigation by specialists.

Nevertheless, Angulo and others in the tourism industry are worried about the potential environmental damage to the estuary. The area is a popular tourist attraction due to its biodiversity and the crystal-clear waters that link Bacalar's lagoon with the Hondo River.

Guillermo DChristy, a water quality consultant and environmentalist, warned that the color change in Chac's Estuary could be an early sign of wider issues. These could potentially affect not only the estuary but also the iconic Bacalar Lagoon.

Environmentalists are increasingly concerned about the disruption to the natural water flow caused by the embankments supporting the Mayan Train tracks. There are fears this could lead to contamination of the lagoon and harm the organisms that inhabit the lagoon system.

Until now, the Chac's Estuary area has been relatively untouched due to its remote location. However, the expansion of the Mayan Train has altered this situation. Authorities, including those overseeing the train project, have admitted to errors in ecosystem management. Meanwhile, local communities are calling for greater transparency and more rigorous environmental impact studies.