Farmers in Santa Elena, Yucatan, have expressed their gratitude towards Semarnat’s decision to halt the Xcaret Group's application for deforestation and environmental alteration of 330 hectares near the Uxmal archeological site. However, they remain on high alert. The farmers' union president, Pedro Quijano Uc, has warned that the tourism consortium is not likely to back down and may launch a new initiative.

The Xcaret Group's project continues to be marketed internationally as a development opportunity promising progress and job creation. However, Quijano Uc warns that it poses significant threats to the land and local culture.

Quijano Uc expressed concerns that the project could cause irreversible damage to the region's ecological balance. He fears it could threaten water resources, flora, fauna, and the cultural and archaeological heritage of the area. Despite Semarnat's rejection of the project, the farmers' union remains skeptical and vigilant. They are calling for a comprehensive investigation and intervention by authorities to prevent any potential abuses and protect the rights of the legitimate landowners.

The Farmers' Union president has also criticized the alleged corruption and complicity among business owners, land thieves, officials, and ejido commissioners. These parties are accused of facilitating the illegal seizure of land from its rightful owners. Despite Semarnat's decision to close the case, the farmers' union remains wary, expressing concerns about the government's close ties to economic groups.