Profepa Shuts Down Illegal Land Use in Yucatán

Tekax, Yucatán — The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) conducted an inspection operation on August 13, 2025, in the Mesatunich ejido, within the municipality of Tekax, Yucatán, where it detected land use change activities carried out without the corresponding authorization.

During the inspection, personnel from the environmental authority traveled to the area known as Mesatunich, which is being worked by a Mennonite population group. At the site, which encompasses a total area of 184 hectares, the elimination of 147 hectares of native vegetation corresponding to medium sub-deciduous jungle was confirmed, for the purpose of establishing sorghum and corn crops.

The detailed inspection found that the removal of jungle constitutes an imminent risk of deterioration to the local forest ecosystem, which is why Profepa proceeded to impose, as a security measure, a total temporary closure of productive activities on the property. This included the placement of official closure seals.

The environmental authority did not find those directly responsible for the land use change activities at the location. It will therefore follow up on the situation through the corresponding administrative procedure to determine responsibilities and apply the measures established by current regulations.

According to the information released, Profepa reiterates its commitment to monitor compliance with environmental regulations in the region. Its objective is to ensure the protection of the Mayan jungle and promote responsible and sustainable management of natural resources for the benefit of local communities and to guarantee the conservation of ecosystems for future generations.

Information provided by the Attorney General's Office reveals that various complaints have indicated that Mennonite communities have expanded their agricultural areas in different regions of the Yucatán Peninsula, increasing the loss of large tracts of jungle due to the expansion of crops and agricultural practices developed without the required environmental authorizations.

This situation constitutes a growing concern for the population and authorities of the state, due to the preservation of ecosystems in the area, intensifying surveillance by environmental authorities in response to citizen reports and evidence of unauthorized land use changes within the Mayan jungle.

Profepa maintains its stance of applying the law and continuing with inspection and monitoring operations aimed at curbing deforestation and environmental deterioration in the southeast of the country.