The Federal Attorney General’s Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has completely shut down construction projects for tourist infrastructure in the municipality of Abalá, Yucatán, due to unauthorized land-use changes in forested areas. These activities directly impacted a medium-height deciduous forest ecosystem and a cenote. A natural area of 10,750 square meters was affected.
Following a citizen complaint, on March 18, Profepa personnel visited the site and discovered various ongoing construction projects, including the opening of an access road, the drilling of a cenote, and mining-type excavations between two points, presumably to connect them via a channel that could function as an underground river.
These activities resulted in the total and partial removal of natural vegetation across an area of 10,750 m², affecting species characteristic of the region such as chaca (Bursera simaruba), tzalam (Lysiloma bahamensis), jabín (Piscidia piscipula), and dzidzilché (Gymnopodium floribundum), among others. These actions were carried out without the corresponding authorization issued by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).
As a safety measure, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) imposed a total temporary closure of the site, affixing the corresponding seals and drawing up an inspection report.
The inspection was attended to by a person who identified himself as a machinery operator for the construction company, who stated that he was not authorized to receive or sign the inspection order.
Carrying out this type of work without the necessary environmental permits generates significant impacts on biodiversity and natural resources.
Source: gob
