The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) temporarily and completely suspended construction works that were being carried out irregularly on a property located within the Huatulco National Park II Protected Natural Area, in the municipality of Santa María Huatulco, after detecting land-use change activities in a forest vegetation area corresponding to tropical deciduous forest.
The federal agency reported that the inspection was carried out on July 31, when specialized personnel conducted a visit to the site and confirmed the opening of a trail approximately 200 meters long and four meters wide, representing an affected area of nearly 800 square meters.
According to authorities, the purpose of these works was to create an access route to the beach known as La Blanquita.
Risk to Terrestrial Ecosystems and Coral Reefs
During the inspection, authorities requested that those responsible for the project provide the environmental impact authorization issued by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). However, the permit was not presented, leading officials to determine that the activities were being carried out outside the current environmental regulations.
Profepa explained that Huatulco National Park II protects terrestrial and marine ecosystems of high ecological value, which are essential for conserving regional biodiversity, protecting soils, and maintaining healthy coral reefs, considered one of the main natural attractions of the tourist destination.
Closure Aims to Stop Environmental Damage
Due to the risk of causing ecological imbalances, erosion processes, and the transport of sediments into the sea —factors that could affect both the coral reef and other coastal ecosystems— Profepa imposed the measure of temporary total closure of the works and activities.
The environmental authority stated that this action aims to stop any intervention that continues causing damage within the Protected Natural Area, while the corresponding investigations are carried out and responsibility is determined for those who promoted the works without the required environmental authorization.
Source: meganoticias
