Background on Carlos Samayoa and Greenpeace’s Campaign
Carlos Samayoa, the coordinator of Greenpeace Mexico’s “Al Grito de Selva” campaign, has been a prominent figure in advocating for environmental protection and sustainability. His recent statements highlight the urgent need to address the devastating impact of petroleum material extraction on Quintana Roo’s rainforests.
The Extent of Forest Destruction
In the past two administrations, Samayoa asserts that open-pit mining has ravaged 10,000 hectares of Quintana Roo’s rainforest. Although the Mexican government halted Calica’s destructive practices in Playa del Carmen, the military is now perpetuating similar methods by authorizing new petroleum material extraction sites within the state’s rainforest.
Unauthorized Exploitation and Lack of Environmental Permits
Greenpeace has identified around thirty new petroleum material bank authorizations in Quintana Roo, with a significant portion attributed to the Secretary of Defense. These military-led banks have begun exploiting the subsoil without proper permits, similar to the Tren Maya situation where Semarnat granted “temporary permissions” allowing for environmental devastation before subsequent authorization applications.
Controversial Authorizations and Calls for Action
One contentious authorization was recently granted by Semarnat to Cemex, permitting the deforestation of 650 hectares in Tulum for another petroleum material bank. Samayoa criticizes this trend, stating that the government must put an end to the alarming rate of rainforest loss.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Greenpeace’s main concern? Greenpeace is concerned about the rapid destruction of Quintana Roo’s rainforests due to open-pit mining for petroleum material extraction.
- Which organizations are involved in the controversy? Cemex and the Mexican military (Secretary of Defense) are key players in the disputed petroleum material extraction authorizations.
- What specific actions has Greenpeace taken? Greenpeace organized a protest in Cancún, demanding that the Mexican government cease authorizing new petroleum material extraction sites in Quintana Roo’s rainforest.
- What is the significance of the Selva Maya rainforest? The Selva Maya rainforest is crucial for maintaining Mexico’s largest groundwater reserve and serves as a vital defense against climate change.
Greenpeace’s Call for Protection and Collaboration
Samayoa urges Semarnat to collaborate on a comprehensive plan for the Selva Maya’s protection, including its vital acuífer and surrounding ecosystems. He emphasizes the importance of these rainforests as a critical defense against climate change and a safeguard for Mexico’s precious water resources.
