The community members of Tepoztlán have made the decision to symbolically close a construction site in the El Tepozteco National Park, which they consider an irregular construction of a four-star hotel. This measure was agreed upon in the general assembly due to the lack of response from environmental authorities to their complaint.
Félix Juárez Medina, president of the San Juan Tlacotenco Communal Goods Commission, has indicated that the complaint about this construction was submitted to the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) in October 2024. Despite also bringing the case to the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) in December, no follow-up has been given, which has raised concerns in the community.
The community members have emphasized the need to improve educational facilities in the area, as the local school serves more than 200 students under limited conditions. Additionally, they have demanded the removal of a CONANP official, whom they accuse of neglecting their responsibility in protecting the natural area.
Given the lack of concrete actions to stop the hotel's construction and allow the expansion of the secondary school, the community members have warned that they will intensify their protests, including taking over government offices. The Tepoztlán city council has announced a review of construction projects in the municipality and the closure of those lacking valid permits.
The community members have reported threats to their lives and the presence of unknown individuals near their homes after protesting against the construction. They have also highlighted the apparent contradiction of the authorities allowing the hotel construction while blocking the expansion of the secondary school in the same protected area.
In response to this situation, they have announced the filing of formal complaints and have demanded guarantees of safety to continue their defense of the protected natural area without reprisals.