Cancún’s El Ombligo Verde Park “Not to Be Touched”

Cancún, Mexico — During the celebration of the thirteenth anniversary of El Ombligo Verde, municipal authorities reaffirmed their commitment to preserving this emblematic space, considered one of the two major "green lungs" of Cancún.

Fernando Haro Salinas, Director of Ecology for the municipality of Benito Juárez, expressed his satisfaction with a meeting held with neighbors and the environmental sector, highlighting the historical and representative importance of the park. He stated that the park "was born from a social and environmental struggle by the residents of Supermanzanas 33 and 34, which is to be admired."

In this sense, the official was emphatic in declaring that the position of the administration of Mayor Ana Paty Peralta is clear in stating that "El Ombligo Verde is not to be touched."

"There is no interest or intention to carry out any type of modification, construction, or anything in the area, and it will be maintained just as it is," assured Haro Salinas, guaranteeing the conservation of the space.

Committee Formed for Protected Areas

He highlighted that the Municipal Committee for Protected Natural Areas of the municipality of Benito Juárez was recently created, the first time such a group has been formed in the municipality's history.

“This committee represents a crucial advance by allowing citizens and Cancún residents to work hand-in-hand with the authority in the management and protection of the city's two key protected natural areas: Kabah Park and El Ombligo Verde,” he explained.

He detailed that the focus is on developing the Management Program for the El Ombligo Verde ecological reserve, described as a pending "historical debt" since the reserve's creation 13 years ago.

The official warned that the process will be long, as it involves "much debate, many citizen opinions," and in its final phase, it must go to public consultation, meaning there is no immediate completion date.

Finally, the director indicated that progress is also being made in the review and development of the Management Program for Kabah Park, the city's other major green lung.