Tulum, Q.R. — UPDATED: Pedestrian access to Playa Mangle in the national park will be allowed free of charge. On Saturday, the day before a mass protest was scheduled, Grupo Mundo Maya who manages the park, made the announcement.
According to the Jaguar Park management company, the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), made the decision.
According to the announcement, it was agreed to optimize direct pedestrian access to Playa Mangle and by extension, to the surrounding beaches bordering Jaguar Park, by allowing access through the park’s south entrance.
The purpose of this agreement is to “facilitate responsible and controlled access to the most emblematic natural areas of the Mexican Caribbean, while ensuring environmental conservation and respect for Mexico’s cultural heritage,” the statement said.
The company published the statement the day before dozens of Tulum resident protested outside the park. On Sunday, protestors held a planned street demonstration at 10:00 a.m., arriving with banners demanding authorities put an end to charges for beach access.
A section of the federal highway was blocked Sunday morning by angry residents demanding free access to Jaguar Park and the beaches located within it.
The protest was in response to the failure of Grupo Mundo Maya (formally GAFSACOMM), to comply with agreements to allow free access to municipality residents.
Protesters carried banners and tarps Sunday saying “Out with GAFSACOMM,” “Military, businessmen and politicians profiting from what belongs to the people”, “No more dispossession disguised as progress!” and “Free access to the beaches now!”
Protesters warn that tourism, the foundation of the local economy, is being “killed” by projects and fees that make access to natural spaces a privilege. They said tourists continually comment about the high prices of the park, while locals suffer from a decline in visitors.
One protestor explained they were upset because “those of us who live in Tulum are tired of companies taking over what is our heritage, like the archaeological sites and the beaches.
“So, this is a peaceful demonstration to demand what is ours as citizens, which is access to the beaches and the economic benefits we used to enjoy in Tulum.”
The demonstration, which grew to nearly 200 people, took place despite the Saturday announcement of free access to Playa Mangle.
On Sunday, the Secretary of Public Security (SSC) of Tulum, confirmed the Mundo Maya announcement of free Playa Mangle access.
“Following instructions from Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo, this morning the Secretary of Public Safety and Citizen Protection, Edgar Aguilar Rico, held a meeting with Oscar Flores, supervisor of Jaguar Park.
“During this meeting, the content of the newsletter disseminated on social media regarding the commitments of the working groups between the Mundo Maya Group, the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) was confirmed.
“The commitment to optimize direct pedestrian access to the mangrove beach and surrounding beaches adjacent to Jaguar Park through the southern access. It should be noted that pedestrian access will be through the southern access of the aforementioned Jaguar Park.
“With this measure, the connection between the community and its natural heritage is strengthened, reaffirming the right to the responsible use of our beaches and protected areas. Together, the transformation advances,” the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública y Protección Ciudadana de Tulum reported.
UPDATE September 1: Tulum protestors held their demonstration against the Parque del Jaguar management company more than 12 hours Sunday. Federal 307 highway traffic was blocked in both directions during the protest against managing company Mundo Maya.
The highway was finally freed of demonstrators after a Monday afternoon meeting was agreed between both sides. Representatives of the protesters will meet with Tulum City Council Monday afternoon.
According to Tulum SSC Secretariat Edgar Aguilar Rico, “After more than twelve hours of blockades by residents and business owners in the municipality of Tulum, the protesters agreed to open Federal Highway 307 in both directions.
“Throughout the day, municipal authorities made several attempts to establish a dialogue. Finally, it was agreed that on Monday, September 1, at 3:30 p.m., representatives of the protesters would be received in the council chamber of the Honorable Tulum City Council.
“It should be noted that, although the matter falls under federal jurisdiction, on the instructions of the mayor, the Secretary of Public Security and Citizen Protection, Edgar Aguilar Rico, remained on site throughout the entire process, promoting dialogue and ensuring the safety of all participants. We are grateful to those who, despite all odds, remained calm and maintained order.”
