The town hall of Merida, Yucatan, initiated actions against those who subdivided land in the police station of St. Peter Chimaylocated in the ecological reserve of Cuxtalto sell them as “investment lots”even though it is prohibited because it is a protected natural area.
The director Sandra García Peregrina reported that complaints have already been filed with the Profepa and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) against the developers responsible for dividing land.
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“We detected the activity and presented the corresponding complaints to the aforementioned authorities. The address of Urban development The city council has also placed closure seals, and we know that the Profepa “He has done the same in several of these lots,” he explained.
Ejidatarios from that police station denounced and presented evidence to 24 HOURS Yucatán. In them, significant progress is observed in the construction of streets, and that some lots already have meters of the Federal Electricity Commission.
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THERE IS A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
García Peregrina explained that the complaint filed with the FGR was filed for the possible commission of an environmental crime of a criminal nature, which has led to an expert report and the opening of an investigation folder, said the director of Cuxtal. He Federal Penal Code establishes penalties of up to nine years in prison, although this figure may vary according to factors such as recidivism.
Article 421 establishes additional sanctions for environmental crimes, such as repair or compensation for damage, suspension or demolition of works that caused the crime, reinstatement of flora and fauna to their habitat if it does not affect the ecological balance, the return of dangerous materials to their origin, and the disqualification of public officials involved.
In the case of Profepa, he specified García Peregrina, the complaint refers to a change of use of forest land without the corresponding procedures.
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This action can be sanctioned with fines ranging from 100 (10,857 pesos) to 20,000 (two million 171,400 pesos).Units of Measurement and Update (ONE) in force.
They hope that the Sustainable Development Secretariat The state also intervenes regarding the environmental impact, since these works had to have permits from that agency.
IT IS URGENT TO REVIEW THE WORK OF NOTARIES AND CADASTERS
For his part, the specialist in Human Ecology of the Cinvestav Mérida Unit, Eduardo Batllori Sampedropointed out the need to analyze the work of some notaries and municipal cadastres, since many times protected areas end up being subdivided and deeded.
“This case of San Pedro Chimay It is not unique; “We have observed similar situations in reserves such as El Palmar, the Celestún Biosphere Reserve and Río Lagartos, where large reserve areas have been divided into lots and offered as investment lots,” he mentioned.
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He stressed that to authorize the subdivision and deed of land, urban feasibility requirements, environmental impact studies, land use change permits and construction permits, among others, must be met.. However, in developments in protected areas these requirements are not always met..
To avoid construction in protected areas, the State Real Estate Development Law requires that municipal cadastres update the Register in accordance with legal and environmental provisions.
This includes verifying that it is not built in forest or protected areas, as unfortunately happened in San Pedro Chimay, he noted.
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What are the legal consequences for developers involved in illegal land subdivisions in ecological reserves?
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone. Today, we are delving into a pressing issue in Merida, Yucatan, where illegal land subdivisions are threatening a protected ecological reserve. Joining us for this discussion is Edu, an expert in Human Ecology from the Cinvestav Mérida Unit. Thank you for being here, Edu.
Edu: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that needs attention.
Time.news Editor: Let’s get right into it. The town of Merida has initiated actions against developers who have subdivided land in the ecological reserve of Cuxtal for what they’re calling “investment lots.” What can you tell us about the ecological implications of these actions?
Edu: Well, the Cuxtal ecological reserve is vital for maintaining biodiversity in the region. Subdividing land in protected areas not only disrupts local ecosystems but also poses risks to wildlife habitats, including species like the jaguar. Once construction begins, it creates a chain reaction that can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and even the extinction of vulnerable species.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely alarming. The director Sandra García Peregrina has reported that the city council has placed closure seals and that complaints have been filed with Profepa and the Attorney General’s Office. How effective are these measures in stopping illegal land development?
Edu: These actions are a step in the right direction, but enforcement is key. Closing off properties and filing complaints are essential, but without consistent monitoring, developers may still find ways to circumvent these regulations. It typically requires a sustained effort from multiple stakeholders, including local governments, federal agencies, and community engagement, to effectively deter such illegal activities.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned community engagement. How important is it for local communities, such as the ejidatarios in St. Peter Chimay, to be involved in these matters?
Edu: Local communities are the frontline defenders of their ecosystems. When they are educated and informed, they can actively participate in safeguarding their environment. In this case, the ejidatarios have already presented evidence against the developers, which shows that local voices can effectively challenge destructive practices if they are empowered and supported by legal frameworks.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of legal frameworks, the criminal complaints filed against the developers cite potential environmental crimes that could carry penalties of up to nine years in prison. Do you think these penalties are sufficient to deter such activities?
Edu: The penalties outlined in the Federal Penal Code are a necessary component of environmental protection; however, the effectiveness of such laws depends on enforcement. If there are not enough resources or political will to follow through on these cases, they may not serve as a strong deterrent. Introducing more stringent oversight and possibly increasing fines could enhance compliance and protection efforts.
Time.news Editor: In your opinion, what can be done to prevent such land subdivisions in protected areas moving forward?
Edu: Comprehensive land use planning that prioritizes ecological integrity is key. Additionally, there should be better training and oversight of notaries and cadasters to ensure they adhere to legal requirements when certifying land transactions. Moreover, collaboration between environmental organizations, government agencies, and the community can create a more robust defense against illegal developments.
Time.news Editor: Those are some great insights, Edu. It’s clear that a multi-faceted approach is vital in addressing these issues. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Edu: Thank you for inviting me to discuss this important topic. It’s crucial that we all stay informed and engaged in protecting our natural resources.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Let’s continue to advocate for the protection of our vulnerable ecosystems. Stay informed with Time.news.