Background on the Issue
Cemex, a prominent Mexican cement company, plans to extract 13 million tons of stone material from Quintana Roo’s subsoil over a 15-year period through a project similar to Calica’s in Playa del Carmen, which the federal government criticized for causing an “environmental catastrophe.” Greenpeace raises concerns about the project’s impact on local communities and fragile hydrological systems.
Greenpeace’s Allegations
According to Greenpeace, there is no public evidence of Semarnat (Mexico’s environmental regulatory body) denying the project. The organization claims that the only document they have is a copy of resolution number 04/SGA/1532/2024, approving the project’s first phase covering 572,685 square meters. The process appears to be completed with the delivery of the previous resolution, indicating no denial.
Environmental Concerns
- The proposed quarry site is located in a highly fragile hydrological area, forming part of the Ox Bel Ha underground river system, which is crucial to the Grand Maya Aquifer.
- The project plans to use a route through the Mayan community of Francisco Uh May for constant heavy truck traffic without any public consultation with the residents.
Greenpeace’s Demands for Transparency
Greenpeace insists that Semarnat should demonstrate genuine transparency by publishing the alleged denial immediately if it exists. They argue that this is essential to protect the Mayan forest.
Recent Activism
In early July, Greenpeace conducted a peaceful protest at Semarnat’s Cancun office to denounce the indiscriminate granting of permits for projects that replicate the same extractivist model condemned by the federal government in the Calica case. These concerns extend beyond Cemex’s project, as numerous material banks’ permits have been granted to the Army for the Tren Maya construction.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? Greenpeace questions Semarnat’s alleged denial of Cemex’s project to extract stone material from a fragile hydrological area in Quintana Roo, which could impact local communities and the environment.
- What are Greenpeace’s concerns? Greenpeace is worried about the lack of public evidence regarding Semarnat’s decision, potential environmental damage from the project, and insufficient consultation with affected communities.
- What actions has Greenpeace taken? Greenpeace organized a peaceful protest at Semarnat’s Cancun office and demands transparency from the regulatory body regarding their decision on Cemex’s project.
