Mexico groups say Maya Train construction has caused significant deforestation

Analysis of satellite images shows 61% of area deforested for Tren Maya project.

87% of the deforestized lands were cleared or logged without a change of land use approval.

Mexico ’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) has issued a statement saying the figures presented contain “inconsistencies” But the organizations that carried out the analysis point out that their deforestation data is supported by satellite evidence.

The Sélvame del Tren group has calculated that at least 10 million trees have been cut down or removed due to the construction of the Maya Train.

In order for a person, company or federal, state or municipal government institution to clear or log a piece of land, the General Law of Sustainable Forest Development requires that a request for approval for a CUSTF be submitted to SEMARNAT.

CEMDA 's lawyers have been vocal about land use changes without approval from SEMARNAT since October 2021 .

In May 2023 , the First District Court in Yucatán ordered FONATUR to suspend any logging or clearing that did not have approval to land change changes in sections 3 , 4 , 4 (Izamal-Cancún), 5 north and 6 .

In June 2023 alone, some 67.4 hectares ( 167 acres ) were felled or removed without approval to change land use.