Mexico’s President Pushes for Preservation of Southeastern Nature

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has called on his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, to prioritize the protection of nature and the natural resources in southeastern Mexico. This plea comes despite criticism from environmental groups during his administration for the construction of large-scale projects such as the Mayan Train.

López Obrador expressed his concern for the region's natural beauty, citing his experiences in Tulum. "We must take care of nature. I've seen the turtles laying eggs on the coast during my stays in Tulum. We must continue to clean the beaches of sargassum and protect the jungle and archaeological sites," he said.

The President and the incoming President recently inaugurated the Jaguar Park and the Eastern Coast Museum in Quintana Roo, as part of their work tour. The President praised the Eastern Coast Museum, describing it as "one of the most beautiful in the world. When you visit, you'll see how stunning it is; one of the best museums in Mexico and the world".

The Jaguar Park and the Eastern Coast Museum, both linked to the Mayan Train project and located in Tulum, were not open to public access during the inauguration. The Eastern Coast Museum is located within the Jaguar Park, a thousand-hectare area that also includes the Tulum archaeological site, the third most visited in the country.

The museum, which saw an investment of 2,700 million pesos, spans 1,200 square meters and houses 300 original pieces and 50 reproductions. Diego Prieto, director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), stated that the museum is the largest in the Mayan Train system and Quintana Roo. It will showcase the richness of the Mesoamerican Maya world, a unique culture known for its history, architecture, economy, interurban network, maritime vocation, and other distinguishing features.