A shocking revelation has emerged regarding the Maya Cargo Train’s branch line, which will destroy hundreds of hectares of jungle on its way to Cancún and Progreso. According to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for both terminals, 360 hectares of Mayan jungle vegetation will be cleared to build intermodal terminals in Quintana Roo and Yucatán.
The Cancún multimodal terminal is expected to cause the most deforestation, with Grupo Aeroportuario, Ferroviario, de Servicios Auxiliares y Conexos, Olmeca-Maya-Mexica (Gafsacomm), citing economic development and logistical efficiency in the region as justification for the construction.
The military company Tren Maya, under the Ministry of National Defense, claims that the project will offer significant advantages over other modes of transportation, such as road transport and air transport. However, this seems to contradict the devastating environmental impact it is expected to have.
Cancún Multimodal Terminal: A Haven for Development but a Threat to Biodiversity
The Cancún multimodal terminal will be located next to the Maya Train tracks heading towards the airport, approximately 8.5 km east in the municipality of Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo. The terminal will include various facilities such as lodging for the National Guard, crew lodging, customs building, warehouse for hazardous waste, fire station, water treatment plant, and supply area for fuels among others.
The region is home to a wide range of animals, primarily birds, that would be affected by deforestation. Despite this, the government justifies the construction of the works due to the jobs it can generate.
Environmental Damage: A Price Worth Paying?
According to documents cited by El Financiero, the construction area of the Cancún multimodal terminal is home to 59 species of terrestrial vertebrates, with 40 species of birds, followed by 9 species of reptiles. Wildlife mitigation measures include the reinstatement of species and a scaring program used during passenger rail construction.
Progreso Freight Terminal: Another Threat to Biodiversity
The Progreso intermodal terminal will be located on the Mérida-Progreso highway, near the Pemex Storage and Distribution Terminal, where at least 104 hectares will be cleared. Birds are the most affected species due to their increased presence.
A remediation plan has been reported by El Financiero, which includes a wildlife scaring, rescue, and relocation program prior to the start of vegetation removal, as well as during the various stages of the project.
Continued Environmental Damage on the Horizon
Environmental damage in this part of southeastern Mexico will continue due to the construction of nine freight transportation stations and logistics centers adjacent to the tracks. Tourist Information Centers and power generation stations are also planned at each station.
As the Maya Cargo Train continues to make its way through the region, the devastating impact it is expected to have on the environment is undeniable. The question remains: is economic development worth the price of biodiversity?
Source: Diario de Yucatan
