Indigenous Peoples acknowledges that there are concerns about the Maya Train and Tulum international airport projects

Venancia Coh Chuc, an official from the National Institute of Indigenous People’s (INPI), has acknowledged that despite former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador fully meeting commitments to indigenous communities, there are current concerns regarding the Maya Train and Tulum International Airport projects. The Secretary of Defense (Sedena) is responsible for addressing these concerns and proposing solutions.

Coh Chuc explained that prior to the initiation of these federal projects, consultation forums were held where community residents expressed their approval and consent. However, she noted that local authorities have recently voiced concerns, particularly about the unfinished sections of the Maya Train.

The INPI has taken on the role of facilitating dialogue between the communities and the authorities responsible for these projects. Coh Chuc stated that they are committed to conveying these concerns to the project leaders so they can seek appropriate solutions.

Despite these disagreements, Coh Chuc maintains that the former president fulfilled all his commitments to the indigenous communities. She highlighted the constitutional reform for community attention, published on September 30 in the Official Gazette of the Federation, and the preparation of the national catalogue of indigenous peoples as significant achievements.

Looking ahead, Coh Chuc explained that forums will be held next year to create secondary laws that will allow the fulfillment of all the commitments made.

She also noted that the INPI operates on an annual budget of 25 million pesos for its activities, a figure that has remained unchanged for the past six years due to a policy of republican austerity.