Mayan Train Environmental Damage: Community-Led Restoration Efforts

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has recognized the environmental harm caused by the construction of the Mayan Train. It is now advocating for a comprehensive restoration plan that includes the involvement of local communities.

In a meeting led by Semarnat Minister Alicia Bárcena, the need for a restoration plan was emphasized. This plan should not only address the damage caused by the Mayan Train but also consider other environmental impacts. These include the effects of unregulated tourism in Quintana Roo, pollution from pig farms in Yucatan, and deforestation linked to agricultural activities in the Mennonite communities in Campeche.

Bárcena stressed that the recovery process should be comprehensive and include local communities. The Minister suggested that the gum producers of Quintana Roo, who have extensive knowledge of local flora, could be key partners in the reforestation process. She stated, "It's counterproductive for the Mayan Train consortiums to hire external companies for reforestation, only for the trees to die shortly after. The local communities have the experience necessary to restore our forest ecosystem."

Deputy Minister of Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration, Marina Robles, added that the restoration of areas affected by the Mayan Train's construction should be funded by those responsible for the project. She emphasized the importance of the project's executors bearing the cost of restoration.

These statements from environmental authorities aim to ensure that the environmental impact caused by the Mayan Train is effectively mitigated. They also stress the importance of a collaborative and sustainable restoration process, with active participation from local communities.