Semarnat questioned celebrities who oppose the Mayan Train: “Where were the pseudo-environmentalists?”

After celebrities, such as Eugenio Derbez, disseminated the video of the controversial campaign “Sélvame del tren” along the route of section 5 of the Mayan Train that will cross southeastern Mexico and where they say it will irreversibly affect the jungle and cenotes, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) described them as “pseudo-environmentalists”.

Through a strong statement, the agency headed by María Luisa Albores said that the campaign aims to misinform the population about the mega-work promoted by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. They assured that far from devastating the environment, the government of the self-called “Fourth Transformation” will remedy the socio-environmental disaster that allowed and promoted past administrations.

Semarnat listed a series of actions that were allowed by previous governments, such as: it allowed the indiscriminate growth of pig farms; the use of agrochemicals such as glyphosate was promoted and encouraged; it failed to address the growing problem of deforestation and illegal logging; mining without considering damage to the environment; exotic crops such as oil palm were allowed to be planted; and mega-projects and tourist infrastructure works that severely damaged the environment were authorized.

And in return, a list was made of the actions being carried out by the AMLO government, such as Sembrando Vida; the strategy against illegal logging; the historic agreement with the Mennonite community; the recognition of communities that care for and preserve the environment; as well as that no pit mining concessions have been granted open; he also said that constitutional disputes are being brought to protect the environment.

More information in development.