Mangroves in Yucatán
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Guardians of the Coast Fight to Save Mangroves in Yucatán
A recent environmental enforcement operation in San Felipe reveals ongoing challenges in protecting mangrove ecosystems

ByYucatán Magazine

Federal and state authorities descended on San Felipe today for the second time in 11 months for the same reason. They found illegal logging, clearing, and human settlements on more than 20 hectares (nearly 50 acres) of mangroves in Yucatán, considered protected habitat areas within the state’s ecosystems, on the eastern side of the Mexican…

Parrots in Merida
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Parrots in Mérida Thrive In Their New Urban Habitat

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht

Mérida’s accelerated growth has brought more noise and traffic than ever. But among the chaos of this urban jungle, several species of birds linger that still bring color and joy to those who know how and where to look. Among the most beloved are several varieties of parrots in Mérida. According to a recent citizen…

Scientists and Tourism Leaders Unite to Preserve Beautiful Bacalar Lagoon
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Scientists and Tourism Leaders Unite to Preserve Beautiful Bacalar Lagoon

ByYucatán Magazine

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…

multi collored maize or corn in Mexico

Mexico’s President boldly bans GMO corn from the country

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht

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…

Mexico Crackdown on Coastal Development: New Zero-Tolerance Approach Underway
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Mexico Crackdown on Coastal Development: New Zero-Tolerance Approach Underway

ByYucatán Magazine

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,…

Is the solution to Playa del Carmen’s shrinking coastline simply moving sand around? 

Is the solution to Playa del Carmen’s shrinking coastline simply moving sand around? 

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht

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…

Yucatán, a safe haven, risks being overwhelmed by its success
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Yucatán, a safe haven, risks being overwhelmed by its success

ByYucatán Magazine

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,…

Cruise ship in cozumel
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The world’s most environmentally friendly cruise experiences

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht

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 water warning: Mercury and arsenic is turning up in blood and breast milk 
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Yucatán water warning: Mercury and arsenic is turning up in blood and breast milk 

ByLee Steele

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…

Seeding mangroves in Yucatán
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Las Chelemeras and their mission to protect Yucatán’s mangroves

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht

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…

New housing and tourism development in Uayma worries locals
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New housing and tourism development in Uayma worries locals

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht

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…

Boat burned in Telchac
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Tensions flare between legit fishermen and poachers

ByYucatán Magazine

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…

Eco-Bahía Ecological Foundation
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Beach Cleanup Success: Eco-Bahía Leads Community Effort

ByYucatán Magazine

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…

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