Environmentalists claim that heavy machinery and company personnel were on site carrying out deforestation activities.
On March 23rd, a group of activists reported on social media that heavy machinery had removed vegetation in the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve, an area of high ecological value in Mérida. The report raised concerns because it is a Protected Natural Area.
The civil association “Proyecto Santa María,” dedicated to the rescue and preservation of native species and victims of illegal bird trafficking, reported on its social media that heavy machinery and company personnel were on site carrying out deforestation activities last Saturday, March 22. However, on Sunday, March 23, the actions continued, and they mentioned in their post, “Unfortunately, this is once again the scene of devastation for flora and fauna.”
In response, the mayor of Mérida, Cecilia Patrón Laviada, reported that the city council received the complaint and, in immediate action, the director of the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve, Sandra García Peregrina, went to the site on Saturday, March 23rd, to take the first steps. On Monday, March 24th, a formal complaint was filed with the corresponding authorities.
The mayor emphasized that deforestation in protected natural areas is strictly regulated by the General Law on Sustainable Forest Development, and any change in land use must be authorized by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).
Raúl Escalante, director of Environment and Animal Welfare for the Mérida City Council, explained that the affected area is not part of the core of the reserve, but rather an area previously impacted.
However, he emphasized that any work within the reserve requires specific permits that were not requested by the company responsible for the clearing.
The impact of the clearing in question is estimated at approximately 2 to 4 hectares, although investigations continue to determine the exact extent of the damage, as well as ongoing monitoring and research, including drone flights, that will help quantify the effects of the devastation.
TYT Newsroom
