Tulum Campaign to Separate Jaguar Park From Archaeological Zone Struggles for Signatures

Entrance to the Jaguar Park in Tulum, Quintana Roo

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A citizen campaign seeking to administratively separate the Jaguar Park from the Tulum Archaeological Zone has gathered only about 2,100 signatures in more than two weeks, organizers said.

The figure represents less than 1% of the municipality’s population, underscoring low public engagement with a proposal that backers consider important for local tourism development.

Valeria Blanco, a promoter of the initiative, acknowledged the response has fallen short of expectations. She attributed the lackluster interest partly to a perception that the movement has political motives — a notion she said is unfounded.

The proposal aims to change how the Jaguar Park operates in relation to access to the archaeological zone, arguing that the current model harms tourists and tourism workers.

Organizers say they want to open a public dialogue to explore alternatives that could improve both the visitor experience and the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism.

Blanco noted that similar initiatives in other Quintana Roo destinations, such as Mahahual, have drawn stronger community support, while in Tulum the issue has yet to resonate with most residents.

Despite the slow start, organizers said they will continue collecting signatures at various points in the municipality, aiming to build enough public backing to formally submit the request to authorities.

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By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx