Mayan Train Launches Bid for Environmental Education Program

The Mayan Train project, through its General Coordination of Material Resources and General Services, announced a tender for an environmental education program aimed at fostering environmental care and sustainability among its workers. This initiative seeks to ensure that the operation of the  Mayan Train adheres to environmental impact authorizations and encourages the conservation of natural resources throughout the seven segments of the railway.

Purpose and Scope of the Environmental Education Program

The primary objective of the contract is to develop, design, and implement an environmental education program for Mayan Train workers at various facilities. Announced on Dec. 11, 2024, the program will focus on promoting the preservation of natural resources and ensuring a sustainable operation, aligning with the environmental impact authorizations granted to the project.

The program will cover essential topics such as:

• Waste management, including urban waste, special handling waste, and hazardous materials.

• Introduction to the concept of a circular economy.

• Water resource management.

• The description and conservation of native Mexican species of flora and fauna, including those listed in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, with distribution in the region.

• Identifying dangerous fauna and risks to Mayan Train workers.

• Biodiversity and environmental services.

• Preservation of Protected Natural Areas, priority ecosystems for conservation (wetlands), and biological corridors along the Mayan Train route.

• Atmospheric emissions control.

• Sustainability and environmental sustainability.

Program Design and Implementation

The selected contractor will be responsible for designing and developing the program content, including educational materials, workshops, and printed materials. These materials will address the listed topics and be tailored for the specific needs of Mayan Train workers. The program will also host environmental education workshops, both in-person and online.

In addition to the educational program, the contractor will be required to monitor the implementation, keeping track of attendance and activity logs. The program will also include the design, printing, and implementation of evaluations to measure the effectiveness of the educational processes.

Price Proposals and Contractors

Two companies have submitted price proposals for the environmental education program: Consultoría y Soporte Técnico Operativo del Sur, which proposed a maximum price of MX$9.65 million (US$471,100) and a minimum price of MX$4.32 million; and REDPROLATAM Consuloría Integral which proposed a maximum price of MX$2.56 million and a minimum price of MX$1.07 million.

However, the evaluation of proposals has been delayed multiple times. Originally scheduled for December 2024, the decision has now been postponed to Jan. 16, 2025.

Environmental Concerns Surrounding the Mayan Train

The launch of this environmental education program coincides with heightened debates over the environmental impact of the Mayan Train. Environmental organizations, such as CartoCrítica and the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), have voiced concerns about the project’s deforestation and inadequate mitigation measures. A recent cartographic analysis reveals that about 6,659ha of jungle have been deforested along the route — far exceeding the officially authorized 3,167ha. Mexico’s environmental authority, SEMARNAT, has acknowledged discrepancies in forest cover assessments along the route, fueling further concerns among environmental groups, as previously reported by MBN. 

Additionally, there have been reports of controversial wildlife management practices, such as relocation, deterrence, and, in extreme cases, the removal or culling of species near the railway. These actions have drawn criticism for potentially violating Mexican environmental laws and international conservation agreements. A document from the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) outlines measures for managing nuisance wildlife, including the use of deterrents and, in some cases, the sacrifice of animals deemed dangerous or difficult to relocate. However, critics argue that these measures harm local fauna and fail to comply with environmental standards, MBN reported.