Greenpeace Supports Local Resistance in Bacalar Against Construction Scandal

Greenpeace has thrown its support behind the residents of Bacalar, who are protesting a lack of transparency in a construction project led by the Secretariat of National Defense. The project, located near the lagoon, has sparked controversy and concern among locals.

Carlos Samayoa, coordinator of Greenpeace's "Mexico Shouts Jungle" campaign, emphasized that the organization decided to lend its support upon learning about the situation in Quintana Roo. Greenpeace's involvement primarily involves raising awareness about the issue. “We may not be in Bacalar, but we are aware of the local group mobilizing and demanding transparency from the authorities, particularly as both civil and military authorities seem to lack transparency in this project," Samayoa explained.

The construction project, reportedly a retirement home, has been justified under the guise of national security. This has allowed the project to proceed without disclosing potential environmental impacts. “We are backing the call for transparency. We urge environmental authorities like Semarnat and Profepa to do their job and explain why they are exempting the project from permits or the Environmental Impact Manifestation (MIA). We have also signed the complaint,” Samayoa added.

Greenpeace will continue to amplify its "Mexico Shouts Jungle" campaign, which began nearly a month ago. The campaign aims to highlight environmental issues on the peninsula and bring them to the attention of decision-makers. It also seeks to garner support from the public.

As part of the campaign, Greenpeace, in collaboration with environmental organizations Grupo Gema del Mayab, Sélvame del Tren, and DMAS, screened the documentary "Voices of the Mayan Jungle. A Battle for Life" at Malecón Tajamar in Cancún on April 4. The event was attended by dozens of Cancun residents, including many of the activists and experts featured in the documentary.

Samayoa emphasized the need for more people to join the campaign to amplify its voice and ensure its message is heard. He noted that decision-makers often seem disconnected from the urgency of the environmental issues affecting the Yucatán Peninsula. "We urgently need to focus on the comprehensive protection of the jungle and its aquifer. From there, we can work on concrete measures to halt the ongoing environmental devastation," he concluded.