Mayan Train's Impact: Progress, Preservation and Concerns

As the Mayan Train approaches completion some see it as a transformative investment poised to bolster tourism and invigorate Mexico’s economy, while others have raised concerns regarding its impact on archeological sites and the environment.

Diego Prieto, Director, National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), said in today’s morning press conference that the Mayan Train had spurred the most significant archeological research endeavor in the Mayan region of Mexico and Mesoamerica. This research entails work to salvage, document and protect archaeological remains along the train’s 1,500km route, including stations, garages and other associated structures. 

The Archaeological Zone Improvement Program (Promeza) has overseen systematic research in 27 archaeological zones along the train’s path. This initiative has led to debates and requests for route adjustments to prevent potential damage to sensitive sites. Despite these concerns, Prieto affirms that all seven sections of the Mayan Train have received INAH’s approval.

The environmental impact of the project drew more concerns. One example is the case of Estero de Chac in Bacalar, where a wetland was filled with soil and sand, in what SEDENA called a human error. Despite efforts to mitigate the situation, experts believe the damage inflicted on the environment might be irreversible.

In August, CartoCrítica, along with support from the Mexican Center of Environmental Law, A.C. (Cemda), the Mexican Civil Council for Sustainable Forestry (CCMSS) and the Heinrich Böll Foundation Mexico and the Caribbean developed a cartographic tool to analyze the forest cover. The results reveal that the construction and related activities of the Mayan Train had already deforested 61% (6,659 hectares) of the verdant jungles within the project area, raising concerns over unauthorized land use change when the total registered before the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) in the definitive and provisional authorizations is 3,167.29 hectares. 

SEMARNAT also uncovered inconsistencies in the data submitted regarding forest cover along the train’s route. To address this, it clarified that the mapping tool might encompass land owned by private entities, leading to potential confusion. Additionally, the provisional authorizations granted prior to a Supreme Court ruling have not been rendered ineffective, allowing work on the Mayan Train to continue within the legal framework.