Maya Train’s Environmental Fix: A 30-Year Plan

CHETUMAL, MX — In response to the acknowledgment that the construction of the Maya Train has affected biodiversity in the areas it crosses, the director of the Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas (Ibanqroo), Javier Carballar Osorio, stated that they are working on several projects to restore the environment, "though it cannot be finished in two years; these are long-term plans, spanning 10, 15, to 30 years."

SEMARNAT (The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) has already recognized that there was damage to biodiversity, "but since the damage is done, we must work on its restoration, and that is what we are working on, especially regarding the animal crossings that were built," he said.

He confirmed that the state is working on a project to restore connectivity between both sides of the train tracks and to identify the locations of wildlife crossings to determine how they relate to biological corridors for priority species.

When asked about the deaths of various species that have been run over after being unable to cross the railway, he acknowledged that "the death of wild fauna will continue to occur. In other states, they are not run over because there is no longer any wild fauna; I am not making excuses, but we must continue working to reestablish connectivity and prioritize the most important zones."

He clarified that they must review the locations where these wildlife crossings were placed and identify those areas that already have urban developments.

Carballar Osorio clarified that the problem will not be resolved within the two years remaining for the current administration. "The plans are for five, ten, 15, or 30 years, for which a trust was created with resources from the private sector for biodiversity conservation projects, including reestablishing connectivity along the Maya Train route."

He explained that this trust holds 17 million pesos, contributed by the private sector, which will allow for an initial diagnosis, though it will not be sufficient.

He added that the organization Mar de Fondos has already approved two projects for natural protected areas for a period of three years and a third project for the Chetumal Bay with Belize.

"We will have resources to strengthen our natural protected areas. We are not only seeking state resources but also international ones to fulfill our purposes," he assured.