Profepa intervenes in the illegal deforestation of jungles in the Mexican southeast
The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) carried out unprecedented operations in Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo, closing 2,600 hectares of jungle affected by illegal activities. These actions are part of a national strategy to combat the degradation of critical ecosystems, where serious violations of environmental regulations have been documented.
Key findings in Yucatán: agribusiness without authorization
In the municipality of Tekax, Yucatán, inspections revealed the clearing of 350 hectares attributed to Mennonite communities. The inspectors found:
- Charred trees and use of heavy machinery.
- Illegal infrastructure, such as drains and irrigation systems.
- A concrete structure, evidencing plans to change land use.
These acts violate the General Law of Sustainable Forest Development and compromise local biodiversity.
Seizures and inter-institutional collaboration
During the operations, they ensured:
- Tractors, harvesters and round wood.
- Protected species such as mahogany and chit palm, regulated by NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and CITES.
The intervention had the support of the Mexican Army, the National Guard and state police, highlighting the coordination to protect these ecosystems.
Regional impact: alarming figures
In Campeche, the logging of 702 hectares was identified in Calakmul and Hopelchén, while in Quintana Roo, the impact reached 1,300 hectares in José María Morelos and Othón P. Blanco. These areas are vital for biological connectivity and carbon capture.
Technical analysis: environmental consequences
Uncontrolled deforestation in the Yucatán Peninsula accelerates:
- The loss of habitats for endemic species.
- The reduction in the capacity to mitigate climate change.
- Alterations in regional hydrological cycles.
Profepa emphasizes that these legal actions seek to set a precedent to deter similar practices.
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