Merida, Yucatan — Environmental and citizen groups have called for a peaceful protest on Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at the Monumento a la Patria in Merida to reject projects they say threaten the coastal dunes of Chuburna.
The demonstration, organized by the collective Salvemos las Dunas (Save the Dunes), aims to gather citizens to demand protection of the ecosystem, which serves as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and severe weather, and hosts diverse plant and animal species.
Organizers said the event will be peaceful, inclusive, and nonpartisan, and urged attendees to bring signs and use reusable containers to minimize plastic waste.
Tourism Project Sparks Opposition
The call comes amid controversy over a tourism development project in Chuburna Puerto that experts and environmental organizations say could damage coastal dunes and other local ecosystems.
According to the groups, altering the dunes could increase the coastline’s vulnerability to hurricanes, storm surges, and erosion, while harming biodiversity that depends on the habitat.
Calls for Transparency
The environmental groups also demanded that authorities make public the permits and environmental impact studies related to the project, so the potential effects on the coastal ecosystem can be assessed.
In recent days, various voices have expressed concern over the future of the Chuburna dunes, highlighting their role in protecting the coastline and maintaining the ecological balance of the Yucatan coast.
