Yucatan Mangrove Ravaged: Logging and Wetland Destruction Sparks Shutdown

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa) has enforced a closure of several areas within the eastern port of Yucatan. These areas, which are part of a protected reserve, have been subjected to wetland filling and mangrove logging. Legal proceedings against the City Council of San Felipe are set to follow.

The enforcement action began on August 21st within the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. In total, 10 closure seals were applied with assistance from the National Guard, the Navy Department, and the National Defense Secretary (Sedena). Profepa reports that an overall area of 18.4 hectares was closed off and six administrative proceedings were initiated regarding forestry matters due to land use changes. This reserve is located in the municipality of San Felipe, on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Evidence of construction materials filling the wetlands was found, along with cleared mangrove vegetation and removal of specially protected Mangrove species.

Profepa notes that the mangroves are situated in an area where Kuká and Nakás palms, both threatened species, grow. As such, the Official Mexican Standard dictates that these species require special protection. A Ría is a sea inlet that mixes fresh and salt water as it extends inland.

The reserve, which is a declared Protected Natural Area, is home to hundreds of species and serves as a primary nesting area for the Hawksbill and White turtles. The mangrove forests are functionally connected to lagoon-estuarine ecosystems and provide a natural barrier against flooding and salt intrusion. Mangroves are crucial not only as a natural defense against hurricanes, but also for their abundant wildlife.