Mexico Army Denied Permit for Jungle Base

Chetumal, Mexico — The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has denied the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena) the environmental impact authorization for the establishment of a "Public Works and Equipment for the Military Police Corps" facility in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco.

The environmental authorities stated that construction work began without the required impact authorizations, leading them to order the project's interruption. During the previous federal administration, the works were allowed to start even though the permits did not comply with environmental regulations. According to the authorities' statement, this negated the preventive nature of the authorization required for the project's execution, particularly because the facilities are located in an extensive area with jungle vegetation.

The project has already seen significant progress. However, as indicated, a change in land use type is necessary before construction can continue.

The project consists of construction across two plots of land, totaling 74,322.80 square meters. Of this total, 45,531.11 square meters contain the aforementioned type of vegetation.

For its part, the Mexican Army indicated that the facilities "are fully functional, with rest areas, infrastructure for equipment maintenance and storage, and systems that contribute to the management of resources for the Military Police Corps, as well as for National Guard campaigns."

Finally, the matter was referred to the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) so that "within the scope of its competence and in the exercise of its powers, it may determine the appropriate actions regarding the initiation of works and activities without the respective authorization."