Tren Maya’s Construction Prioritizes Environmental Conservation in Tulum

TULUM, Quintana Roo – In his weekly update on the progress of the Tren Maya project, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador highlighted the measures being taken to protect cenotes, underground rivers, and caves throughout the construction process. The infrastructure is being adapted to preserve the environment in Quintana Roo, ensuring the conservation of these natural treasures.

The most challenging section of the project is the stretch from Cancun to Tulum, encompassing segments 5 south, 6, and 7. This particular section involves the construction of an elevated viaduct, specifically designed to safeguard cenotes, caves, and underground rivers.

President López Obrador emphasized that approximately 75% of the 120-kilometer stretch between Tulum and Cancun consists of a viaduct, rather than an embankment. This approach will effectively preserve the underground rivers, cenotes, and caves, ensuring their protection.

“This is currently the most significant public project under construction in the world,” declared the President.

He further added that the Tren Maya will provide substantial support to the residents of the southeast region. With approximately 30 million tourists visiting Cancun annually, they will now have the opportunity to explore and learn more about the archaeological sites of the great Mayan culture. Additionally, they will be able to experience the unique tropical jungles, native wildlife, and other natural beauties of the region.

The combined length of tracks for segments 5, 6, and 7 of the Tren Maya is 621.3 kilometers. These tracks span across Quintana Roo and Campeche, passing through notable areas such as the Jaguar Park, the Laguna de los Siete Colores in Bacalar, and the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.

Efforts to conserve natural areas encompass over 626,000 hectares The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, María Luisa Albores González, announced that the Jaguar Flora and Fauna Protection Area, the Mangle Puerto Morelos, and the Gran Calakmul Region will collectively cover more than 626,000 hectares of conservation.

She further highlighted the support provided to 418 forest projects from 2019 to the present, with a total funding of 392.9 million pesos. These projects encompass training courses, rural surveillance brigades, and fire management in the 11 municipalities traversed by segments 5, 6, and 7 of the Tren Maya.

INAH safeguards archaeological sites in the southeast Diego Prieto Hernández, the Director General of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), shared that the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza) is responsible for protecting the following sites:

Segment 5: Tulum, Muyil, Xel-Há, the Ecoarchaeological Corridor Paamul II, and El Meco Segment 6: Ichkabal, Oxtankah, Chacchoben, and Dzibanché Segment 7: Kohunlich and Calakmul

Prieto highlighted the significance of segment 7, which boasts the highest concentration of archaeological vestiges, including movable and immovable assets. As of May 15, the area has recorded and preserved 207 associated natural features, 19,862 immovable assets, 303 movable assets, and 33 burials.

“These numbers indicate a high population density in this area: 207 natural features such as caverns and underground rivers, 19,862 immovable assets, 303 movable assets, and 33 burials, many of which contain valuable offerings… recovering valuable information.”

Prieto also emphasized the presence of two immensely captivating and significant areas within segment 7: Kohunlich and Calakmul. These sites are recognized as cultural and natural mixed heritage of humanity, requiring meticulous research.

SEDENA progresses with the construction of segments 5 North, 6, and 7 of the Tren Maya The Mexican Army, through the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), is making substantial progress in the construction of segments 5 North, 6, and 7. Both electrified double-track and single-track sections are being built, utilizing embankments and elevated viaducts. Ricardo Vallejo Suárez, the General Resident Engineer of the Directorate General of Engineers, reported that there are currently 19 construction fronts, employing 31,226 workers. The workforce comprises 1,300 units of heavy machinery and 1,900 construction vehicles.

Regarding the development of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Suárez provided an update stating that construction has reached 40.26% completion. This involves 10 construction fronts focused on runways, platforms, taxiways, roads, hangars, fuel terminals, the construction of the Air Traffic Control Tower’s shaft, and other structures. The project currently provides employment for 4,232 individuals contributing to aerial mobility.

Blas Andrés Núñez Jordán, the Head of the Tren Maya Coordination Center of Operations, mentioned the Tulum Hotel in Quintana Roo, which will consist of 352 rooms. Located two kilometers from the archaeological zone of the same name, the hotel will be integrated into the Jaguar Park, featuring the planting of 5,000 trees.

The Calakmul Hotel in Campeche will connect to the archaeological site through an artisanal path. This project adheres to the strictest environmental regulations, as highlighted by the military official.