Background on Key Players and Relevance
Bacalar Lagoon, known as the “Laguna de los Siete Colores,” is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The lagoon has recently become the center of controversy due to unauthorized construction activities by the Mexican Army (Sedena) to build a rest house. Greenpeace and other environmental groups, such as Derecho a un Medio Ambiente Sano (DMAS), have raised concerns over the violation of a protective order issued by the judicial system.
The Protective Order and Its Violation
On May 8, the First District Court in Chetumal granted a definitive suspension of the construction within the amparo lawsuit (expediente 241/2025). Despite this, construction activities have continued and have been documented on social media platforms since early 2025. The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) claims that the construction does not require an environmental impact assessment as it poses no threat to the environment.
Greenpeace’s Concerns and Actions
Greenpeace has expressed its concerns about the ongoing construction, stating that heavy machinery is causing morphological alterations to the lagoon through relleno and dragado, dispersing fill material affecting water bodies and biodiversity, and generating vibrations that could harm the Fuerte de San Felipe, a historical monument in the region.
Greenpeace urges environmental authorities to act immediately and protect this valuable natural heritage of Mexico, emphasizing that no one should act outside or above the law.
The organization is also seeking public support for a petition addressed to the Mexican government, demanding an immediate halt to the construction projects.
Other Organizations’ Involvement
Sélvame del Tren and other groups are calling on President Claudia Sheinbaum to intervene promptly and learn about the damage these construction projects are causing to the Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the “Laguna de los Siete Colores.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the controversy about? The Mexican Army (Sedena) is illegally constructing a rest house within the Bacalar Lagoon without proper environmental authorization, which has been challenged by environmental groups and a protective court order.
- Who is involved? Greenpeace, Derecho a un Medio Ambiente Sano (DMAS), Sélvame del Tren, and other environmental organizations are actively campaigning against the unauthorized construction.
- What are their concerns? These groups are worried about the morphological changes to the lagoon, disruption of biodiversity, and potential harm to historical sites due to the ongoing construction.
- What actions have been taken? Environmental groups have documented the construction on social media, petitioned the government for a halt, and called upon President Claudia Sheinbaum to intervene.
