Mexico Admits Maya Train Harm, Vows to Fix Environmental Damage

Mexico City — After five years of denial, Mexico’s federal government has formally acknowledged the environmental damage caused by the construction of the Maya Train, a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project cutting through sensitive ecosystems in the Yucatán Peninsula. The shift in position comes from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), which has now pledged immediate mitigation measures, including the removal of metal mesh barriers enclosing elevated viaducts and cenotes—natural sinkholes that form part of an extensive underground river network.

Environmental Damage Confirmed in Section 5

The acknowledgment follows an on-site inspection by Semarnat officials in Section 5, the portion of the Maya Train route that runs from Cancún to Tulum. This stretch, particularly the southern part near Playa del Carmen, traverses a region known for its limestone bedrock, underground rivers, and fragile cave systems. One of the most controversial construction choices has been the erection of an elevated viaduct through this area, enclosed with metal mesh barriers that restrict natural processes and wildlife movement.

Guillermo D’Christy, an environmentalist and leading voice in the collective Sélvame del Tren, confirmed the federal government’s promise. “They committed to removing the metal mesh encapsulating the viaduct and the cenotes,” he stated.

The collective, which has documented damage to caves and cenotes since construction began, welcomed the dialogue but emphasized that much more must be done. “We appreciate the officials’ visit and their walkthrough of the rivers and cenotes in Section 5. This open dialogue confirmed the environmental damage, validating our claim that this area should have been protected from the start,” the group stated.

Broader Environmental Impacts

The Superior Audit Office of the Federation (ASF), Mexico’s public spending watchdog, had already substantiated many of the activists’ claims. In a 2023 report, the ASF confirmed that construction activities in Section 5 resulted in contamination of cenotes and the spillage of concrete into caves, including:

• Garra de Jaguar

• 8 Balas

• Manitas

• Oppenheimer

In addition to the environmental toll, the ASF flagged excessive public expenditures, noting that concrete spills alone resulted in cost overruns of 31 million pesos (approximately $1.8 million USD).

Environmental activist Elias Siebenborn documented additional damage at the entrance to Oppenheimer Cave, part of the Aktun T’uyul cave system, where over 20 soil perforations were reported, along with evidence of water contamination.

Wildlife Disruption and Inadequate Mitigation

Concerns over wildlife disruption have also intensified. While 30 wildlife crossings (3 aerial and 27 underground) were initially planned for Section 5, the Center for Biological Diversity found major gaps in coverage. According to their analysis, at least 15 kilometers of the route—stretching from Playa del Carmen to just past the Calica industrial site—lack any wildlife passages, leading to severe habitat fragmentation.

The area is home to endangered species such as the jaguar, ocelot, and various native reptiles, whose migratory patterns and habitat continuity are now under threat.

Remediation Plans and Future Protections

As part of the government’s response, Semarnat has committed to:

• Removing mesh barriers along elevated sections and cenotes

• Considering the creation of biosphere reserves along the train’s route to protect biological corridors and underground aquifers

“Sélvame del Tren” stressed the urgency of these actions. “The proposed biosphere reserves are crucial to conserving the jungle, biological corridors, and the aquifer. Immediate measures have already been proposed to begin remediation,” the group said.

Ongoing Threats and Activist Pressure

Despite these new commitments, environmental groups remain concerned about long-term threats. These include:

• The planned freight rail line, which could increase noise pollution and ground vibrations in sensitive zones

• Urban development rapidly expanding along the train corridor, often without proper environmental oversight

“Sélvame del Tren” continues to push for stronger legal protections and restoration efforts to prevent further degradation of the region’s ecosystems.

This recognition marks a significant departure from the previous administration under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who had consistently dismissed criticism of the Maya Train as politically motivated. His administration fast-tracked the project, bypassing environmental impact assessments for some segments under the justification of national interest.

Context and Next Steps

The Maya Train is one of the largest infrastructure projects in modern Mexican history, intended to connect major destinations across Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. Though billed as a sustainable project aimed at boosting regional tourism and economic development, its construction has displaced wildlife, disrupted water systems, and raised alarm among scientists, archaeologists, and indigenous groups.

With Section 5 serving as a flashpoint, this new acknowledgment by Semarnat opens the door for overdue remediation—though much will depend on how quickly and thoroughly the proposed measures are enacted.

With information from El Financiero.