The Mexican government has identified a significant environmental problem on the Yucatán Peninsula, where the Mennonite community is causing damage to native bee species and the ecosystem with their farming practices.
Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, head of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), has warned that the Mennonites are “a very serious environmental problem” due to their use of pesticides, genetically modified crops, and deforestation. According to Semarnat’s review, native bee species such as the melipona bee are being affected by the Mennonite community’s farming practices.
Bárcena has also expressed concerns about the Mennonites’ aggressive behavior towards authorities who try to impede their activities. “If we go to impede their activities, they’ve even come at us with weapons,” she said in an interview.
The Mexican government is taking steps to mitigate the problem, including working with local beekeepers and Mayan communities to protect pollinators and identifying pesticides that are causing harm to bees. Bárcena has also called on residents not to sell their land to the Mennonites, as this is contributing to the environmental damage.
The presence of Mennonites on the Yucatán Peninsula dates back to 1987, but their practices have been documented for at least seven years. Local media have reported large forest fires in areas inhabited by Mennonites, which may have been started intentionally to clear land for farming.
The Mexican government’s efforts to address the environmental concerns surrounding the Mennonite community include a series of concrete actions, including working with farmers to analyze bee mortality and identify pesticides that are affecting bees. However, the situation remains complex, and further action is needed to protect the environment and prevent harm to pollinators.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
