Militarized police enlisted to protect flamingos, mangroves and protected land from construction
Faced with the need to deal professionally with environmental crimes against the Yucatán Peninsula, the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) has trained members of the Federal Police to safeguard protected areas.
Conanp said that thanks to this training, it has been possible to draw up a strategic plan to head off all-too-common occurrences such as illegal construction and mangrove cutting.
The head of the Conanp, Alejandro del Mazo, said that training police — including militarized units — in environmental matters is a fundamental step toward protecting our natural resources.
The training of the members of the Gendarmerie is part of the results of an agreement signed between the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the National Security Commission.
One place in particular that concerns authorities the Yum Balam Reserve in Holbox, where pink flamingos, white pelican and osprey reside among three species of mangrove and palms as the chit, nakax and ciricotes.
The large island also has 24 kilometers of beach where four species of sea turtles nest, all vulnerable to illegal activity.
