Nearly a dozen mature trees are being ripped from Mérida’s iconic Plaza Grande as part of a major renovation project. To offset the loss, 80 new trees will be planted.

The decision has sparked public debate, with some citizens expressing concern over the loss of mature trees.

City officials, however, maintain that the trees slated for removal are either diseased or dead, posing a potential safety hazard. Councilwoman Pamela Coello, chair of the Sustainability Commission, assures the public that the removal is necessary for the long-term health of the Plaza’s green spaces.

The new trees are promised to be native species and of a significant size. This ambitious replanting effort aims to increase the total number of trees in the Plaza from the current 40 to over 100, creating a more vibrant and ecologically diverse environment, officials said.

The Flora Committee, a group of experts from various agencies and research centers, including the CICY, Semarnat, Public Works, Sustainable Development Secretariat, and Conafor, made the decision to remove the trees after a thorough assessment.

Despite the assurances, Councilwoman Ana Gabriela Aguilar has voiced concerns shared by many citizens about the removal of trees for various projects, including those in the Plaza Grande. She has called for greater transparency regarding the reasons for removal and the expected benefits of urban interventions and guarantees that any tree removal is fully justified and compensated for with the planting and care of new trees.

Aguilar has also proposed evaluating the city’s current strategies and the environmental impact of urban interventions to help the incoming municipal government adjust policies and minimize negative effects.

In a bid to encourage citizens to contribute to the city’s green spaces, Aguilar has suggested offering tax incentives for properties with well-maintained, mature trees. This initiative aims to promote a more sustainable urban environment and foster a sense of shared responsibility for the city’s natural heritage.

The Plaza Grande is the epicenter of Mérida’s Centro Histórico, encased by the city’s Cathedral, two museums, a cultural center, and government offices. Spanish colonists first laid it out in the 1500s.