SEDATU Launches Tender for El Jaguar Park Access

SEDATU announced that it intends to hire a company to plan the access zones for El Jaguar National Park in Tulum, Quintana Roo. The company will have 90 days to complete the research and designs for the national park's accesses, according to authorities. SEDATU will accept bids until July 24 and will select the winner the following day. 

The focus will be on federal highway 307, which connects Cancun and Chetumal, as well as the Mayan Train station in Tulum. Authorities emphasized that the new company will also have to make a plan for the observation towers in the park. 

The El Jaguar park is worth US$192 million and is part of a government investment of around MX$20 billion (US$1​​195.40 billion) earmarked for the development of four national parks by 2024. Authorities expect El Jaguar to be inaugurated in the first half of 2024.

In the face of constant criticism following the construction of the Mayan Train, López Obrador announced that the El Jaguar national park is a gift to Mexicans that demonstrates his commitment to the environment. In 2022, the park was declared a protected area by López Obrador through a presidential decree. The 3,000ha reserve is one of the smallest in Quintana Roo compared to Sian Ka'an, with more than 528,000ha, or Yum Balam with 154,000ha. The government declared that the park will serve as a bridge for jaguars and other species to move freely. However, ecologists argue that since the park has a perimeter fence, it will make it difficult for the jaguar to pass through. "They need connected areas, not closed areas with a fence that prevents them from moving," says Raúl Padilla, of the Jaguar Wildlife Center.

In May, 2023, SEDATU announced it began the latest construction stage of the Jaguar Park. This includes the construction and refurbishing of six public beach accesses, financed through the Urban Improvement Program (PMU) for an investment of MX$189 million (US$10.5 million). The project “protects the natural, cultural and historical wealth of the country,” explains SEDATU via a press release. The project’s first stage included the construction of a 21km perimeter fence and several spaces for rest at Coba Avenue. The second involves the remodeling of the road to the beaches.