Mexico shuts down illegal mangrove subdivision in Yucatán

Progreso, Yucatán — The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has officially shut down illegal works and activities in a coastal wetland mangrove ecosystem in Chelem, Progreso, Yucatán, responding to a key complaint from the Ejidal Commissariat. An inspection on January 20, 2026, confirmed the elimination, burning, and clearing of 5,749 square meters of protected vegetation, intended for the irregular subdivision of population settlements.

This operation underscores the urgency of protecting Yucatán’s coastal ecosystems, cataloged as of high environmental importance due to the irreplaceable ecological services they provide. The lack of authorizations issued by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) constitutes a serious impact that the environmental authority is obligated to pursue.

Operation in Yucatán: The Precise Impact on the Wetland

The Profepa action in the locality of Chelem was triggered following the filing of a formal complaint. Procuraduría personnel carried out an environmental impact inspection visit on January 20, detecting the real magnitude of the damage.

The affected area was quantified at 5,749 square meters. The manifest objective of the works was the subdivision of the property for irregular population settlements, an activity executed through clearing and intentional burning of characteristic mangrove vegetation.

Evidence of Subdivision and Use of Fire

Profepa determined that the destruction activities were recent. During the diligence, a series of physical evidence was documented confirming the violation of environmental regulations.

Key findings at the inspected site:

• Destruction and waste management: Stumps, branches, and cut trees arranged in mounds were observed.
• Use of fire: Clear evidence of the use of fire to eliminate vegetation was found.
• Territorial demarcation: The installation of wooden posts and yellow plastic tape, material used to demarcate and divide the lots, was identified.
• Property division: The affected land was fragmented into a total of seven lots.
• Identification of occupants: Two of these lots already had pre-assigned nominal signs, indicating a man and a woman as possible occupants.

The Ecological and Administrative Gravity of the Infraction

The Procuraduría emphasized that the activities were carried out without following the necessary environmental criteria and specifications to prevent, mitigate, or compensate for the damage. The absence of authorizations issued by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) consolidates the illegality of the work.

The mangrove ecosystem is not only a key habitat for biodiversity but also acts as a natural barrier against hydrometeorological phenomena and a water filter. Its destruction in the municipality of Progreso represents, according to the environmental authority, a “serious impact.”

Surveillance and Follow-up Protocol

Following the shutdown, Profepa has opened the corresponding administrative file. The institution has been clear that the process does not end with the stoppage of the work. Strict surveillance will be maintained at the site to ensure that clearing or subdivision activities are not resumed. The ultimate goal is the effective protection of coastal and mangrove ecosystems against future invasions and illegal destruction.

The fight against irregular settlement in protected environmental areas, such as that experienced in Chelem, requires coordinated action and sustained vigilance. The shutdown by Profepa sets a clear precedent on the unacceptable practice of prioritizing land speculation over the conservation of vital resources for the Yucatán Peninsula.