Photographs by Sarah Fassold: @sarahfassold A “Conferencia del Agua” — or Water Conference — brought together hotel owners, local officials, environmental activists, and others concerned about the health and sustainability of the famed Bacalar Lagoon. The conference, at Centro Holístico Akalkí, opened with remarks from Bacalar’s mayor. The mayor emphasized the lagoon’s importance to the region’s tourism…
In a landmark decision that has sparked both praise and controversy, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a sweeping ban on transgenic corn (also known as GMOs), marking a significant shift in the country’s agricultural and environmental policies. Mexico is often referred to as the cradle of corn, with its ancient civilizations domesticating the crop…
In a bold move that signals a major shift in Mexico’s approach to environmental protection, the Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has launched an aggressive campaign against unauthorized real estate developments along the picturesque Yucatán coast. “All works that aren’t authorized will have to be demolished,” declared Marina Boy Tamborrel, head of Profepa,…
When imagining the discovery of new species, the mind wanders to locations like the Amazon or Papua New Guinea — certainly not the likes of Mexico City. But according to ornithologists, this is exactly what has happened, as five species of hummingbirds have been discovered in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park. The discovery of these new…
The spring equinox in Yucatán takes place around March 20 and 21, marking the moment when day and night are of equal length; a balance that held profound significance for the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. Today, the equinox draws thousands of visitors to Mexico’s archaeological sites, where they gather to witness the sun’s alignment with…
The number of monarch butterflies in Mexico has reportedly increased by 99% during the past year. The largest concentrations of these iconic butterflies have been documented in newly designated protected areas in the states of Mexico and Michoacan. Scientists believe this recent boom in monarch butterfly populations in central Mexico is related to several factors,…
The Yucatán peninsula’s landscape is characterized by thousands of natural sinkholes known as cenotes, formed when the region’s limestone bedrock collapses to reveal underground freshwater pools. These remarkable geological features—estimated to number over 6,000—form an interconnected aquifer system that has sustained life in the region for millennia. To the Maya civilization, cenotes were not merely…
A recent increase in photographs of jaguars taken with camera traps suggests Yucatán’s jaguar population continues to recover after decades of being on the decline. Camera traps work by using a motion detector to trigger a camera when an animal moves within its range. This allows researchers to capture images or videos of jaguars without…
Playa del Carmen was once known as one of Mexico’s most stunning beach destinations, with miles upon miles of pristine coastlines, white sand, and the turquoise ocean the Caribbean is famous for. But these days, much of Playa del Carmen’s beaches have eroded to the point that they almost don’t exist anymore or are often…
Species, including macaws, are highly prized in the illegal bird trade for their beauty and longevity. They can fetch up to US$2,500. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine An avian refuge in Yucatan, Proyecto Santa María, has launched a campaign encouraging donors to sponsor endangered birds. The sanctuary houses more than 150…
Yucatán faces mounting environmental challenges as its reputation for safety drives rapid development and population growth. That’s the message from Bloomberg News columnist Juan Pablo Spinetto, who notes that its remarkably low crime rates have attracted both domestic and international migrants to Mexico’s safest state. Yucatán’s homicide rate stands at approximately 2 per 100,000 residents,…
Feral dogs have been filmed attacking and killing flamingos in Sisal’s mangroves. Proyecto Santa Maria Sisal posted the flamingo attack on Facebook. The video shows several dogs jumping into the water and pursuing flamingoes in a coordinated hunt. Flamingo migration experts, including Teri Grendzinski from Pennsylvania State University, have warned that such attacks can potentially…
Beautiful tropical birds are constantly aflutter in Yucatán, especially during the rainy season. There are common species like social flycatchers, which sport bright yellow chests and black stripes across their eyes, and elegant pink flamingos that grace the coastline. Then there is the pandemonium of parrots (yes, that’s what they are called) who make themselves…
As the popularity of cruises continues to grow, so does the effort to minimize their environmental impact. Earlier this week, Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess was heralded for its innovative use of liquified natural gas as it docked in Cozumel for the first time. The Sun Princess is also the largest ship of its class ever…
Yucatán’s underground water supply has been contaminated and overexploited, putting residents at cancer risk, a Cinvestav researcher warns. According to Eduardo Batllori Sampedro, hazardous substances like mercury and arsenic have been found in the general population’s blood, putting residents at heightened risk for cervical and breast cancer. Yucatán Peninsula hydrological reserves, particularly in the cenote…
In the vibrant coastal town of Chelem, Mexico, a remarkable group of Maya women, Las Chelemeras, continues their nearly 15-year mission to restore and protect the vital mangrove forests along the Yucatán coastline. These women, ranging in age from 30 to 80, have become the unsung heroes of their community. The Chelemeras, led by Keila…
Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, while inaugurating Jaguar Park and the Museum of the Eastern Coast in Tulum urged the public and authorities to protect the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of preserving nature, citing experiences of watching turtles, including loggerheads, nesting on the beaches. He also stressed the need…
Uayma is an unassuming town of under 3,000 people best known for its ornate 17th-century church — but big changes are in the works. AR Desarolladora Peninsular has announced its plans to invest tens of millions of dollars in the tiny town of Uayma. The real estate developer has applied for a permit to cut…
More than 200 baby hawksbill sea turtles were released Saturday afternoon from the port of Sisal as part of the Yucatan government’s efforts to protect and conserve local wildlife and the environment. The release’s goal is to reintegrate the turtles into their natural habitat. Upon reaching adulthood, the turtles will return to the Yucatán coast…
In response to illegal octopus fishing, local fishermen are organizing to address the issue, even resorting to burning their foes’ boats. Two nights ago, over 200 seamen met with Telchac Puerto Mayor Alfredo Marrufo Díaz to discuss the ongoing problem of illegal octopus fishing using unauthorized equipment. The mayor acknowledged his previous efforts with state…
On Thursday, 120 volunteers at Playa Aventuras’ beach cleaned over a mile of coastline, collecting 176 pounds of waste. The Eco-Bahía Ecological Foundation, through its SAK program, mobilized the community in a joint effort to preserve the Maya Riviera’s coasts and seabeds. Among the main waste collected were single-use plastics, personal hygiene products, packaging and…
Despite the early start to the 2024 hurricane season due to warm water temperatures, Mérida’s historical resilience is a reassuring factor. As an inland city in the northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida is shielded from direct hurricane strikes. Tropical storms passing near the city are typically weakened because they travel over land. Though Mérida…
In just eight years, 3 billion cubic meters of water concessions have been granted in the Yucatán Peninsula. If this trend continues, available water resources will be overallocated within two years, potentially increasing human use and consumption costs, according to Alejandro López Tamayo, general director of Centinelas de Agua, or Water Sentinels in English. López…
Beryl wasn’t as damaging as advertised, but we’ll be ready for the next inevitable storm of hurricane season.
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