Mennonite communities in the Yucatán Peninsula are encountering legal issues as Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has filed criminal complaints due to unauthorized forest clearing. Authorities have discovered that over 2,600 hectares across the regions of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo have been cleared illegally, leading to significant environmental damage.
Profepa, together with the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Environmental Crimes, is spearheading the prosecution process. Two criminal charges have already been filed, and there are five more pending. The illegal clearing includes the removal of native species such as mahogany and Florida thatch palm, which has led to the seizure of illicit timber.
If individuals are found guilty, they may face severe penalties, including imprisonment and property seizure. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the communities’ extensive use of pesticides, which has negatively impacted local bee populations and might hinder environmental recovery efforts. As these legal actions progress, environmental authorities are considering ecological restoration strategies for the damaged lands.
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