Illegal Logging Threatens White Mangrove in Dzilam de Bravo

Reports have emerged of illegal logging activities targeting mangroves in Dzilam de Bravo. This comes alongside concerns about high pollution levels on the area's beaches, both of which are causing significant environmental damage. These reports follow recent revelations about the large-scale extraction of sea cucumbers in the area.

Local activists have raised the alarm about the illegal felling of about 200 white mangrove, or "sacocom", trees. This species is protected by law. The local Tourist Society expressed shock at the brazen nature of the logging, which was conducted openly and in view of local authorities. This has led to suspicions of potential collusion by local officials.

Local fishermen have reported seeing the logged material being transported openly during the day, right in front of the municipal headquarters. This has further fueled suspicions of official involvement. In addition to the illegal logging, there have been reports of theft of 170 boards worth 30,000 pesos. These boards were taken from a pier under renovation near an ecological reserve that links with the Chelem cenote. Local residents have identified a man known as "Chucho Erros", who has a history of illegal activities in the area, as a potential suspect.

The Tourist Society has pledged to formally report these incidents to the Public Ministry and seek justice for the environmental and community damage. They have stressed the importance of preserving the mangrove and natural reserves for the sustainable development of the port. They have described the blatant disregard for the law in these cases as "outrageous".

In addition to the illegal logging, there is a serious pollution problem on the beaches of Dzilam de Bravo. The Federal Commission for the Protection of Health Risks (Cofepris) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) have warned about high levels of fecal matter in the water. This poses a risk to the quality of the beaches for recreational use. Monitoring results from April 2023 show that the water contains 190 coliform parts per 100 milliliters, which exceeds the allowable limits for recreational activities.

Activists are emphasizing the need for a commitment to environmental protection and regulation of activities that threaten local ecosystems. They argue that the illegal logging and water pollution are damaging not only to biodiversity, but also to the quality of life of local communities and the area's tourism potential.