Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico (Semarnat), alerted about deforestation in Yucatán and throughout the country, pointing out that at least 8 percent of the mangroves have been lost in the region. The official explained that at least 23,000 square meters of federal land have been devastated, which led the Government of Yucatán and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) to intervene.
The destruction of mangroves is considered a federal crime in Mexico, regardless of who owns the land, according to Alicia Bárcena. In this context, Yucatán has lost about 30 percent of its forests and forest reserves, including mangroves. Therefore, reforestation of these ecosystems is crucial, as they are fundamental for the reproduction of fisheries.
Semarnat has begun planting more than 100,000 red, black, and green mangroves along the coast as a protective measure against meteorological phenomena and to preserve biodiversity. According to the official, mangroves not only act as natural barriers against hurricanes and storms but also are home to a large amount of biodiversity.
In another context, residents of Yucatán have alerted about the danger facing the mangroves and a pre-Hispanic saltworks in the municipality of Dzemul, in the northeast of the region, due to the irregular placement of drinking water pipes. According to local farmers, this project threatens coastal flora and fauna.
The protesters, including partners from the Xtampú saltworks, have opposed the placement of drinking water pipes that put the mangroves and salt ponds at risk. They claim that the project lacks the necessary environmental impact permits and are seeking support from the environmental authorities of Yucatán to stop it, warning of a possible ecocide and damage to these pre-Hispanic natural areas of great historical importance.
