The Cuxtal Reserve, a vital water source for the city of Mérida, is facing an unprecedented threat from real estate developers, mining activity, and the construction of the Mayan Train. This ecological disaster has been brewing for years, with residents feeling marginalized and excluded from decisions affecting their territory.
“We are the lifeblood of Mérida,” says Brianda Moo, a resident of San Pedro Chimay. “Politicians never tire of embellishing themselves and saying that the Cuxtal area provides water to the city, but what good does it do us if they don’t give us priority?”
The Cuxtal Reserve is home to 9,630 people, many of whom live in poverty and lack access to basic services. The reserve’s unique ecosystem supports over 400 plant species, 800 vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and several endemic animals.
However, the reserve is under siege from various fronts. The Mayan Train, a federal megaproject, has altered the rules to facilitate its passage through the reserve, despite residents’ concerns about its impact on their communities. Mining activity, led by companies such as Materiales Anillo Periférico (MAPSA), has resulted in over 100 hectares being used as mining banks.
The lack of effective enforcement of land use regulations within the reserve is a major problem. Residents have filed numerous complaints with Profepa, which has taken action to close some properties and issue precautionary measures. However, the situation remains precarious, with more than 40 citizen complaints pending investigation.
Real estate developers are also exploiting the area, selling investment lots and subdivisions in San Pedro Chimay at low prices. This has led to the destruction of hectares of land, which were once used for agriculture and livestock activities. Residents have been forced to sell their lands due to economic necessity, often at a loss.
“It’s urgent that we promote the economic and productive diversification of communities so that they do not have to sell their lands or relocate,” says Wilian de Jesús Aguilar Cordero, a researcher who has worked on the reserve’s management plan. “We must work on inter-institutional dialogue to ensure that permits are granted in compliance with regulations.”
The destruction of Cuxtal is a tragedy that threatens not only the environment but also the livelihoods and well-being of its residents. It is imperative that authorities take action to protect this vital ecosystem and ensure that the benefits of conservation translate into real improvements in the quality of life of Mayan communities living in the reserve.
As Aguilar Cordero notes, “Cuxtal is more than a lung; it’s an alveolus. It allows us to breathe, but it’s full of threats and realities.”
Source: El Sol de Yucatan
