Destruction Of Archaeological Site in Kinchil Linked To Poultry GiantBulldozers have damaged or destroyed building foundations and burial sites
Ancient structures at the archaeological site of Tzemé are being destroyed to make way for the expansion of a poultry farm, residents of Kinchil in Yucatán, Mexico, report. The demolition, allegedly carried out by Crío — one of Mexico’s largest egg and chicken producers — has also resulted in the deforestation of several acres of surrounding jungle, according to the Kinchil Community Council.
The destruction of sections of the archaeological site and the surrounding low-lying jungle comes despite an injunction against the project by the INAH, and unconfirmed threats of sanctions by Mexico’s environmental agency, Profepa.
“They come, destroy the farms we have worked on for generations, destroy our heritage, and leave us with nothing but the smell of excrement,” a clearly angry farmer, Felix Canul, said in a social media post.
Destruction of Yucatán’s Cultural Heritage
The archaeological site of Tzemé is recognized by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) as the ancient western capital of the Yucatán Peninsula. Archaeological evidence indicates the city was once home to over 10,000 people, a population larger than the current municipality of Kinchil. The site contains several Maya pyramids and structures, including one reaching 20 meters in height.
Community representatives state that Crío has cleared more than six hectares of low-lying forest, approximately 300 meters from the main pyramids. This deforestation has damaged or destroyed underlying archaeological structures, including building foundations and burial sites. A specific, spiritually significant location known as Kolotso has also been leveled. During an inspection, community members reported seeing unstudied archaeological material, including ceramics, jade, and carved stones, scattered across the area.
Community Livelihoods Threatened
The environmental damage directly threatens the economic base of the local Maya community, which relies on livestock and, critically, beekeeping. Residents report that the noise from heavy machinery has scared their cattle. More significantly, they fear the expansion of the poultry farm will severely impact the local bee population.
Beekeepers like Modesta Canul explained to Proceso that honeybees are highly sensitive to contaminated air and strong odors, which drive them away. The loss of bees would cripple local honey production and disrupt the pollination of local flora. Gregoria Dzul, a member of the Community Council, stated that the existing poultry sheds already cause nuisance, leaving behind “manure, stench, and flies,” with no benefit to the community.
Legal Actions and Alleged Violations
In response to the destruction, the Kinchil Community Council filed a formal complaint with INAH on October 17. INAH inspectors visited the site, confirmed the damage to the archaeological vestiges, and subsequently ordered a work stoppage, placing official seals on the property to suspend all construction.
Despite this order, on November 3, community members discovered Crío personnel working at the site with heavy machinery, in clear violation of the suspension. This has led to public frustration and questions about enforcement. The community is also calling on the federal environmental protection agency, Profepa, to take decisive action and, if necessary, invoke federal authority.
Not an Isolated Incident
Incidents like the one currently unfolding in Kinchil have been on the rise over the past decade, as the growing demand for land by large industries has come into conflict with the livelihoods of locals, as well as the integrity of cultural heritage sites and the environment.
During the past year, there have also been allegations of corruption linking the mayor of Kinchil with illegal sales of ejido land.
Crío did not respond to repeated requests for comment regarding the conflict in Kinchil. An upcoming press statement is expected to deny knowledge of the problem.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway.
