Introduction to Alicia Bárcena Ibarra and Semarnat
Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), acknowledged that parts of the Tren Maya project have caused significant environmental damages to cenotes and caverns, especially in tramo 5. She emphasized that the current government is evaluating all permits for the Tren Maya project to “regularize” its progress.
Semarnat’s Evaluation of Tren Maya Permits
During her appearance at the Environment and Resources Natural Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, Bárcena Ibarra explained that the government has decided to review all permits associated with the Tren Maya project. This process aims to ensure that the necessary conditions, or “condicionantes,” are met for each of the seven tramos (sections) of the train.
- Semarnat, Profepa (Mexican National Commission for Natural Protected Areas), and the Tren Maya team meet weekly to monitor each tramo’s progress.
- They assess missing permits, unmet conditions, and required actions to address environmental damages.
- They quantify reforestation areas needed to compensate for construction impacts.
Bárcena Ibarra stated, “We are working to regularize the environmental impact of the works done so far, which account for 45% in land-use change matters and proposing and achieving 95% compliance with environmental impact conditions.”
Acknowledgment of Damages in Tramo 5
Bárcena Ibarra acknowledged that there have been significant impacts on eight caverns and cenotes in tramo 5. She explained that Semarnat is working to ensure proper cleanup and removal of concrete from the Tren Maya construction site.
Water Crisis and Contamination Concerns
Bárcena Ibarra also addressed Mexico’s water crises and contamination concerns. She highlighted the upcoming reform to the Water Law, which will regulate treated water usage and concessions granted during “neoliberal” governments that prevented 35 million people from accessing clean water.
- There are 538,881 water concessions given during neoliberal governments.
- Semarnat has reviewed 482,014 of these concessions, representing 90% of the total.
- The number of concessions has increased dramatically since the Salinas government 36 years ago.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Semarnat’s role in the Tren Maya project? Semarnat is evaluating all permits associated with the Tren Maya project to ensure environmental conditions are met and to “regularize” its progress.
- What specific environmental concerns are being addressed in the Tren Maya project? The primary concerns include damages to cenotes and caverns, primarily in tramo 5, as well as ensuring proper cleanup and reforestation to compensate for environmental impacts.
- How is Semarnat addressing water crises and contamination? Semarnat is working on a reform to the Water Law to regulate treated water usage and concessions, ensuring 35 million people have access to clean water.
